Routine dental cleanings are essential for your oral and overall health as they are one of the best measures to prevent serious oral health problems. A professional dental cleaning works in conjunction with daily dental health routines, such as brushing, flossing, and using fluoride toothpaste. However, with professional dental cleanings, dentists rely on special tools to perform a deeper cleaning than what would be possible at home.
During dental cleanings, your dentist can examine your entire mouth to ensure that you’re not suffering from or beginning to suffer from any concerning oral health issues such as gum disease, cavities, sleep apnea, or oral cancer. Keep in mind that serious oral health issues can’t always be detected at home.
We all lead busy lives, and finding the time to schedule a teeth cleaning can be challenging for many. But it might be easier to schedule an appointment knowing that a routine teeth cleaning and exam shouldn’t take too long.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
How long a dental cleaning takes can somewhat depend on your oral health and your home oral hygiene practices.
If your teeth are healthy and clean, then a dental cleaning should only take about 30 minutes. On the other hand, if your oral health isn’t great and you have cavities or tartar buildup, your dental cleaning can take closer to an hour. In general, more time spent at home on your oral health means less time spent in the dentist’s chair.
The American Dental Association (ADA) advises that you have a dental cleaning every six months. The good news is that most dental insurance plans cover these cleanings if you receive them at least six months apart. Regular cleanings will help maintain and improve your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Cleaning
Does it Hurt to Get a Dental Cleaning?
No, generally speaking, dental cleanings shouldn’t induce any pain. However, there may be slight sensitivity during or after. The products used by your dental hygienist and dentist are much stronger than the ones you use at home, making them excellent tools for plaque and tartar removal, but they can make the teeth feel more sensitive. It’s also not every day that your teeth and gums have physical pressure put on them in the way a teeth cleaning does, so they may also be sore because of that.
Can a Dental Cleaning Prevent Staining?
Dental cleanings don’t necessarily remove stains. However, when you have them done routinely, they can help prevent teeth staining. Since the tools and products used in a general dentistry office are much stronger and more effective than those typically used at home, they are better at removing the buildup that can cause staining.
Learn More About Teeth Cleaning in Germantown, MD
At Rosewood Dental, our team of experienced dental providers strives to provide you with the best dental health care. We want to make your routine teeth cleanings as comfortable as possible, so let us know how we can help.
Are you due for a dental cleaning? Call 301-515-2466 today or contact us online to schedule an appointment.