Dental Cleanings Specialist

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

The American Dental Association recommends regular cleanings at least once a year, but only if you have a very low risk of periodontal disease. Twice a year is best, as it keeps your teeth at their most healthy and allows the dentists to check for emerging problems before they become serious.

What happens at a cleaning?

Even if you brush and floss daily, you can’t get your teeth as clean as when the hygienist does it at a professional cleaning. Lee Dental’s skilled hygienists use professional tools to remove any excess plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup. You’ll then have your teeth professionally polished and flossed, and you can have fluoride applied, should you choose.

What are the benefits of regular cleanings?

Regular cleanings offer multiple benefits. You’ll stop tooth loss, prevent cavities, and save money in the long run by intervening before you have a dental emergency. Good oral health boosts your overall wellbeing, too. Regular dental cleanings can lower your risk for disease, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

How do cleanings prevent cavities?

When plaque builds up on your teeth, it erodes your tooth enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to bacteria. You can keep plaque at bay with daily brushing and flossing, but dental cleanings remove stubborn plaque your brush can’t eliminate.

How do cleanings save my teeth?

The dentists can identify gum disease at regular visits. Gums help hold your teeth in place and keep your teeth healthy. When you have a buildup of plaque, it negatively affects your gums, causing them to recede, or pull away from the tooth. As gums recede, the plaque can go farther down the tooth and may even affect the bone anchoring the tooth, contributing to tooth loss. Regular cleanings help identify, treat, and prevent gum disease.

Why do my teeth bleed during and after a cleaning?

Bacteria caused by plaque buildup irritates your gums. Your gums become sensitive and bleed easily when the instruments rub against your teeth and gums. Regular brushing and flossing at home keep your gums healthy so they’re less likely to bleed during after a dental cleaning.