How often should you get professional teeth cleaning? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends every six months for both children and adults. At Aspire Dental Care in Mattapoisett, MA, Drs. Paola Buckley, Shikaha Chopra, and Sathvik Seshadri concur with this advice because they see the many benefits this preventive service provides.
Isn't brushing and flossing enough?
Both at-home and in-office teeth cleanings have this objective: remove the bacteria-filled plaque and tartar caused by the foods we eat. At home, brush with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush. To clean those hard-to-reach interdental spaces, flossing is the daily mainstay.
Neglect either practice and biofilms build-up and decays the teeth, and infects your gums with periodontal disease. Both oral health conditions lead to tooth loss, says the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
In-office cleanings
However beneficial, home care isn't enough. There are many hidden areas in the mouth where plaque and tartar can hide. Your hygienist can visualize and remove them with in-office tooth scaling with small handheld instruments and ultrasonic cleaners that gently break-up hard tartar. She flosses and polishes your teeth for a smooth silk finish, fresh breath, and brighter tooth color.
Your hygienist performs many important health checks as well including:
- Taking digital X-rays
- Counting your teeth and checking the condition of your fillings, crowns, and other restorations
- Applying topical fluoride, a great cavity preventive
- Measuring gum pocket depth, a check for periodontal disease
- Giving you tips on improving your flossing and brushing at home
Your professional cleaning provides a valuable lead-in to your dentist's visual exam of both hard and soft oral tissues. Dr. Buckley, Dr. Chopra, or Dr. Seshradi can see any problems--such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and deteriorating restorations--more easily when your teeth and gums are clean. After all, early detection is key to long-standing oral health.
Come see us
At Aspire Dental Care in Mattapoisett, MA, Dr. Paola Buckley, Dr. Shikaha Chopra, and Dr. Sathvik Seshradi encourage regular preventive care, including professional cleanings. They want your smile to last a lifetime! Phone your dentist for an appointment today: (508) 758-4925.
