Teeth Cleanings The key to beautiful teeth that you can be proud of are routine professional dental cleanings. Riverstone Dental Group performs cleanings as one of our most powerful preventive dentistry tools. The Importance of Routine CleaningsWhen we say that routine professional cleanings are one of the best and most important things you can and should do for your teeth, we are not saying that lightly. Simply by coming in for your regularly scheduled cleanings can help prevent a myriad of oral health problems that would otherwise take a lot more time and treatments to correct. It is critical that you practice both at-home oral hygiene and have professional cleanings. One without the other is a recipe for cavities and gum disease. Only by brushing twice daily, flossing, and getting your teeth professionally cleaned can you ensure the best chance of success for your long-term dental health. What to Do Before Your Dental CleaningWe know that cleanings can be nerve-wracking, especially if it has been a while since your last appointment. We see all kinds of teeth every single day, and our job is to help you achieve your best oral health. This means that if you have an upcoming cleaning, but have not been maintaining your oral hygiene, the solution is not to over-brush beforehand to try to compensate. In fact, this actually makes things worse. Brushing too hard irritates and inflames the gums and can destroy enamel, while doing little to remove the long-term stains and damage that may have accumulated. Even worse, too much pressure while brushing the night before makes it tougher for us to see where we should be cleaning. So if you have an appointment, but have not been brushing, take the opportunity to gently brush and floss the night before, and we will give you some tips during your cleaning. During Your Teeth CleaningCleanings are almost always in-and-out appointments. We usually perform a quick exam during every cleaning, checking for signs of disease or plaque. Professional equipment can safely clean your teeth without damaging or removing enamel. Some patients with particularly sensitive teeth may find some parts of the cleaning uncomfortable, so letting us known in advance can help us make accommodations for you. Your Next CleaningSo once you have your teeth professionally cleaned, when should you go again? According to the American Dental Association, you should schedule a cleaning every six months, though more may be necessary if you are recovering from an outbreak of cavities, gum disease, or other dental hygiene concerns. By coming in every six months, you can be sure that plaque and bacteria never have a chance to spread. Plus, by coming in more frequently, you can prevent the need for longer cleanings or other interventions in the future. Do Your Teeth Need a Professional Cleaning?All teeth require professional cleanings! To get your teeth polished and sparkling at Riverstone Dental Group, call (925) 414-9250 today to schedule your appointment. |
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