Optimal oral health begins at home with a solid routine of brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, antibacterial mouthwash rinses, and a healthy diet. Every bit as important, however, are the preventive benefits of regular dental exams and professional cleanings.
We’re looking here at routine dental cleanings, why they’re essential, and what to expect from the professional teeth cleaning process.
The Importance of Routine Dental Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings as part of regular dental visits are a foundational part of preventive care. These routine treatments are vital first because they leave your mouth fresh, your teeth and gums comprehensively clean, free of any built-up plaque and tartar, and fortified against future buildups.
Additionally, these routine visits to the dentist are crucial because they allow your dentist to comprehensively assess the state of your oral health, identify risk factors, and preemptively and painlessly address any developing issues long before they become serious problems.
What to Expect During a Teeth Cleaning and Oral Exam
During a routine dental exam and cleaning, there are a few key steps that you should expect.
- First, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your head and neck to ensure the health of the bone and muscles in your jaw, as well as your lymph nodes.
- If you are due for routine x-rays, your dental team will take images to get a comprehensive picture of your overall oral health.
- Next, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth, looking for cavities, loose fillings, cracked teeth, plaque and tartar buildup, and early signs of gum disease or oral cancer.
- Then comes the actual cleaning. Using a series of special tools, your dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of and in between your teeth and along your gumline. Once this process is complete, your hygienist will polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave a fresh, clean feel.
Dental Exams & Cleanings with Care and Kindness in Wilmette, IL
If you’re in the Wilmette area and looking for a skilled and experienced dental team to help ensure your oral health and the radiance of your smile through meticulous dental cleaning and a range of other preventive and cosmetic procedures, including the placement of dental veneers, contact dentist Dr. Nolan Patel and the skilled and friendly team at the Wilmette Dental Institute to schedule an appointment!