Dental Cleanings

Sherman, TX

A dental cleaning is a preventative procedure performed by a dental professional in our HomeTown Dental at Sherman office. This procedure plays an important role in keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. It is recommended that patients of all ages, including children, get their teeth cleaned every six months.

Examining Teeth And Gums

Before beginning the cleaning process, the hygienist uses a small concave mirror to check the patient’s mouth for any signs of oral problems, such as inflamed gums, plaque and tartar buildup, or dark spots on the teeth. This helps the hygienist know what to focus on during the cleaning. If more serious issues such as cavities or gum disease are found, the hygienist most often informs the dentist for a more thorough examination which will follow.

Understanding Scaling

A scaler is a small curved tool that our hygienist will use to carefully remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. The gumline and the space in between each of your teeth will also be addressed. It is important to remove tartar from the teeth, as this is what can ultimately lead to inflammation and gingivitis. If not treated, gingivitis will turn into gum disease.

Flossing And Polishing Teeth

Each of the teeth will be carefully flossed. One of the benefits of having the hygienist floss between your teeth is that they can get better angles than you may be able to get at home. The teeth will then be polished using a gritty toothpaste and an electric device similar to an electric toothbrush. Your teeth will feel incredibly smooth and clean after your professional polish because our professionals are able to reach places that you are unable to at home.

Will A Dental Cleaning Hurt?

There may be some discomfort felt during your professional dental cleaning as the plaque is scraped from the gums. If there are signs of inflammation and gum disease, you may experience increased sensitivity during the cleaning. If you have any signs of decay it might be very uncomfortable to have cold water brushed across your teeth. Patients should feel comfortable communicating any discomfort with our hygienist. If there is pain associated with the cleaning, there are options for keeping you comfortable during your visit to our office.

How Often Should My Teeth Be Cleaned?

It is important to maintain a healthy routine of brushing and flossing your teeth at home. Your teeth should be brushed after every meal or at least twice a day, with flossing being done at the end of the day before bed. An alcohol-free mouthwash can help to rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing.

The professional dental cleaning should be scheduled every six months. These dental exams will allow for an opportunity to monitor the health of your teeth, while also helping to keep gum disease from becoming an uncomfortable reality.

Those who have gum disease may find that it is recommended they have additional cleanings or periodontal maintenance cleanings. Our dentist will be able to provide guidance that is pertinent to your personal dental wellness needs. Proper periodontal care is necessary to prevent further decay.

Don’t delay your professional cleaning. This important part of your dental wellness should be scheduled every six months, for optimal health. Book your next cleaning with HomeTown Dental at Sherman by calling us at (903) 224-7057.