When did you last make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning? If you cannot remember when it was, it’s time to make an appointment for one. One of the easiest and most effective things you can do to stay healthy is to have a routine dental cleaning from a dentist or dental hygienist. The staff at our office, located at 697 Hilltop Street, Springfield, MA (USA) will provide you with comprehensive and compassionate dental cleaning services for patients of all ages.
What Is Dental Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning is known as a prophylaxis. This is a procedure that is completed by a licensed dental hygienist or dentist. Unlike the cleaning you do at home, a dental cleaning will also remove hardened plaque (tartar), and it will help remove stains that can not be removed by brushing at home.
Many dentists will recommend that a patient receive dental cleanings every six months. However, some patients (who have gum disease or other medical conditions) may require more frequent cleanings to remain healthy.
Why Is Dental Cleaning So Important?
If you miss your dental cleanings, you risk having serious health problems. Here is why regular dental cleaning matters:
- Prevents Cavities — Plaque buildup is the leading cause of tooth decay. A dental cleaning removes plaque before it damages your enamel.
- Stops Gum Disease — Gum disease starts with tartar accumulation that only a professional dental cleaning can remove.
- Freshens Breath — Persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria that a dental cleaning effectively eliminates.
- Your Smile Will Shine: One advantage of having a dental cleaning done is that your teeth will have been polished, eliminating coffee, tea, and cigarette stains.
- You Will Save Money: In the long run, you will save money by spending a small amount of money on a dental cleaning instead of spending a large amount of money for any future cavities, root canals, or gum disease, if you do not have regular dental cleanings.
- Promotes General Well-Being — In study after study, researchers find that bad oral hygiene contributes to heart disease and diabetes. A regular dental cleaning is an investment in good health for the entire body.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Many patients do not enjoy having their teeth cleaned. However, if you are getting your teeth cleaned at 697 Hilltop St., Springfield, MA, there is a predictable, simple process that most patients do not find painful.
Step 1: Physical Examination
The first thing that will occur before your teeth are cleaned is for your hygienist to look in your mouth to see if you have gum disease, cavities, or other things they are concerned about.
Step 2: Removing Plaque and Tartar
Next, your hygienist will use a small hand tool (called a scaler) to carefully scrape away any tartar or plaque that has built up around your gum line and in between your teeth. This part of the dental cleaning is the most important and takes the longest.
Step 3: Gritty Toothpaste Polishing
After scaling, your teeth will be polished using a high-speed electric toothbrush and an abrasive toothpaste. This part of the cleaning removes any staining that may have occurred due to eating and drinking, and leaves your teeth with a very smooth texture.
Step 4: Expert Flossing
During your visit, the hygienist will floss between each of your teeth to look for bleeding gums (which might have been caused by plaque) or find places where plaque can hide on your teeth++11.
Step 5: Fluoride Treatment
Most of the time, after a dental hygiene appointment, your dentist will give you fluoride treatment to help build up your teeth’s enamel (to protect against decay) until your next visit for cleaning.
Step 6: Dental Review
Your dentist will go over the results of the dental cleaning that was performed, and they will discuss any concerns or recommendations for future dental care.
Types of Dental Cleaning
Not all cleanings are performed equally for each patient; your dentist may recommend one of these types of cleanings based on your oral health status
Prophylaxis Cleaning
The routine cleaning performed by a dentist for most patients, with normal (healthy) gums and teeth, includes scraping off plaque and tartar from the outside of your teeth.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
The procedure performed on patients with gallstones includes deep gum cleaning (scaling & planing), as well as treating the tooth roots and cleaning up portions of the root below the gums.
Periodontal Maintenance
Dental cleanings every three months are vital in keeping your teeth healthy if you have had gum disease in the past; they will also help to stop you from ever having gum disease again.
Gross Debridement
If there is a lot of tartar buildup on your teeth, then you will not be able to be properly examined by your dentist. To solve this problem, the dentist will perform a gross debridement cleaning before they examine you.
Dental Cleaning for All Ages
Children
Early access to dental cleanings provides an excellent opportunity for children to develop good dental habits and help prevent tooth decay while they are in their developmental stage.
Teenagers
Teens who wear braces or other orthodontic appliances need frequent dental cleanings because food and bacteria are trapped by orthodontic appliances more than regular teeth.
Adults
Your busy lifestyle will make it difficult for you to maintain a regular cleaning schedule; focus on creating consistency as your primary goal. You should not go for more than one year between professional dental cleanings from your dentist.
Seniors
Older individuals are more susceptible to the effects of receding gums and dry mouth, making regular dental cleaning more important than ever to keep one’s natural teeth intact.
How to Maintain Results Between Dental Cleaning Appointments
Your at-home dental care regimen greatly assists in the overall efficacy of the outcome of your dental cleanings. Some tips to maintain a healthy mouth in between dental visits include:
- Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
- Flossing once daily.
- Using an antibacterial mouthrinse.
- Drinking lots of water all day.
- Limiting the consumption of sweet snacks and acidic beverages.
- Not using tobacco or other drugs.
- Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Signs You Need a Dental Cleaning Right Away
- If you’re experiencing any bleeding from the gums while brushing/flossing
- If you have chronic bad breath that does not go away
- If you notice yellowish/brown deposits on your teeth
- If you have swollen or sensitive gums
- If you have increased sensitivity to temperature changes in your teeth
(Schedule an appointment to have a regular cleaning done.
Visit Us for Your Dental Cleaning in Springfield
Ready to experience a truly thorough dental cleaning? Our friendly and professional team at 697 Hilltop Street, Springfield, MA, USA, is here to help. We use the latest dental technology to ensure every dental cleaning is comfortable, effective, and tailored to your unique needs.
Whether it’s your first dental cleaning in years or a routine six-month visit, we welcome patients of all backgrounds and comfort levels.
📍 Location: 697 Hilltop Street, Springfield, MA, USA 📅 Book Today: Call us or walk in to schedule your next dental cleaning appointment
A healthy smile begins with one simple step — your next dental cleaning. Visit us at 697 Hilltop Street, Springfield, MA, USA, and let our expert team take care of the rest!