Having a routine dental cleaning twice a year is an essential part of keeping teeth and gums healthy. During a cleaning, tartar is removed from the patient's teeth, and that helps to prevent tooth decay. The removal of tartar also improves the appearance of the person's teeth.
Tartar is the calcified plaque that hardens when left on tooth surfaces for prolonged periods. It is the perfect haven for acid-producing bacteria that live in people's mouth. It cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, only a professional dental cleaning performed by a dentist can get rid of it.
While cleanings are one of the least invasive procedures performed by dentists, many feel apprehensive when it is time to get their teeth cleaned. Some would blame the fact teeth, and gums tend to be sore and sensitive for a few days after the cleaning is performed.
Here are some tips patients can use to make their next dental cleaning a more comfortable experience:
It is imperative that patients and their oral professionals be on the same page before and during dental cleanings. Patients should communicate any fears they are having with the dentist, as well as any underlying issue they think might complicate the procedure. For example, having sensitive teeth.
There is nothing wrong with taking an over the counter pain killer before going in for a dental cleaning. This preventative measure helps to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with this treatment. The medication in some pain relievers can also keep patients more relaxed during their treatment.
The more often a patient's teeth are cleaned, the less likely the dentist needs to remove tartar buildup aggressively. The longer a patient puts off dental cleanings, the more tartar, and discoloration that builds upon the person's teeth. That means more work for the dentist to do when the patient finally goes in for a cleaning. You teeth are gums will feel a lot healthier once this tartar has been removed.
There are a variety of numbing gels that dentists can use to make cleanings more comfortable during treatments. Some topical anesthesia goes a long way during dental cleanings. Patients that deal with dental anxiety can also ask for sedatives like nitrous oxide to keep them relaxed during their procedures. This fast-acting gas is administered with a gas mask that covers the patient's nose. Its effects can be felt within minutes, and it wears off just as fast. That means patients sedated with nitrous oxide are free to drive home afterward.
There are many kinds of toothpaste that help to desensitize the teeth and gums. These can come in handy when a person is due for a cleaning. Use these before and after treatments to make the recovery period more enjoyable.
Want to learn more about making dental cleanings as enjoyable as possible? Contact one of our dentists today!
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Smiles Dental Care, request an appointment in our Mountain View dental office here: https://smilesdental.com. Or call us at (650) 563-1180.
If you're looking to maintain healthy gums, consider scheduling regular dental cleaning as part of your regular dental hygiene routine. This will help you avoid gum disease, which can be caused by bacteria building up around your teeth and gums and can lead to tooth loss and even heart problems if left untreated. These seven…
A dental exam gives your dentist a chance to examine your teeth and clean them. The American Dental Association advises two dental check-ups per year so dentists can properly care for their patients. This ensures periodical examination of the patient’s mouth and the administration of preventative treatments like dental cleanings.If you cannot remember the last…
Wondering what exactly a dental deep cleaning is? Everyone needs to have their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. This dental cleaning is necessary in order to remove any plaque or tartar buildup occurring on the teeth, which can lead to your experiencing a wide variety of dental problems. This is because plaque and…
Thinking it is about time for your next dental cleaning? Getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis is one of the more important things you need to do to support good overall dental health.A dental cleaning is part of an annual dental check-up, which needs to be made at least once, if not twice,…
Cosmetic dental services might be what you need to improve how your teeth look. These are dental treatments that focus primarily on addressing aesthetic issues that ruin the appearance of teeth, like discoloration, poorly spaced teeth, or damaged teeth. There are typically multiple cosmetic dental services that can be used to address any given problem,…
A cracked tooth that goes untreated for an extended amount of time can lead to severe complications. Continue reading to learn about the risks of leaving cracked teeth untreated. Dentists generally recommend having a cracked tooth repaired as soon as conveniently possible, and it may become an emergency situation if the symptoms worsen or lead…