Teeth Cleanings
The best way to prevent excessive plaque buildup is to schedule a professional teeth cleaning with our Ann Arbor dentists every six months. Plaque that is left untreated can turn into tartar which can only be removed by our hygienists. A routine dental cleaning lasts about one hour and will include gentle scaling and polishing for a clean result.
Why Are Professional Cleanings Necessary?
It’s easy to think that brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily at home is enough to keep your smile pristine. However, a toothbrush and floss alone can’t remove tartar like our specialized dental tools can. Because of this, professional cleanings are highly beneficial for your long-term oral health.
As mentioned before, our dentists recommend that you visit our Ann Arbor dental office every six months for a teeth cleaning. If your specific dental needs require more attention, we may ask that you return sooner. We’ll be sure to brief you on all recommendations ahead of time so you’re aware of your treatment plan.
Factors That Affect How Often You Go
It’s sufficient for most patients to only visit our office for a teeth cleaning twice a year. Other patients may require more frequent cleanings due to a variety of influencing factors. Our dentists will review your medical and dental history before making a decision on your cleaning schedule.
Some factors that may impact how often you receive a teeth cleaning include:
- Smoking Habit
- Medical Issues (i.e., Diabetes)
- Family History of Gum Disease
- Medications Taken
Stages of a Teeth Cleaning
There are four main stages to a . Each stage is listed below.
- Examination – One of our dental hygienists will use a small mirror to perform a dental exam of your entire mouth for signs of gum disease or other concerns.
- Removal of Plaque and Tartar – A dental tool known as a scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar around your gum line plus in between your teeth.
- Gritty Toothpaste – Using a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste, our hygienist will deep clean your teeth to catch any tartar left behind in the previous stage.
- Flossing – Floss is used at the end of your cleaning to remove not only hidden plaque, but any gritty toothpaste still remaining. Problem spots where your gums bleed can also be identified in this stage.
Prioritize Your Oral Health
Our , encourage you and your family members to visit our office for regularly scheduled teeth cleanings. If you haven’t already, call Liberty Dental at (734) 994-0909 to request an appointment.