Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings are essential to maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health issues. At New England Dental Group, we emphasize the importance of professional cleanings as a critical part of your oral hygiene routine. Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, certain areas of your mouth are hard to reach, allowing mineralized plaque to build up over time. This is why visiting our Elmwood Park, IL dentist for a dental cleaning every six months is crucial.
The Dental Cleaning Process
When you come in for a dental cleaning, you can expect the process to last between 30 minutes to an hour. Most patients find the experience painless and free of discomfort, making it a simple and stress-free way to care for your oral health.There are two main steps to a dental cleaning: scaling and polishing.
Step 1: Scaling
Scaling is the first step, where our hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. This is done either manually with specialized dental tools or with electric scalers, depending on the specific needs of your teeth. Our staff will carefully clean the surfaces of each tooth, including those difficult-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gum line. Additionally, the pockets of your gums will be gently cleaned to remove any plaque buildup, helping to prevent gum disease and maintain healthy gums.
Step 2: Polishing
The second step is polishing, which involves using a special polishing paste to remove any remaining plaque and stains, leaving your teeth smooth and shiny. Different-sized polishing heads are used to reach all areas of your mouth, ensuring every tooth receives a thorough cleaning. Polishing not only enhances the appearance of your teeth but also helps to prevent future plaque buildup by smoothing the surface, making it harder for bacteria to adhere.
Why Regular Cleanings Are Important
Routine dental cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. They help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues by removing harmful plaque and tartar that can accumulate over time. Regular cleanings also allow our Elmwood Park, IL dentist to monitor your oral health closely, identifying any potential problems early on and providing timely treatment.
Don’t wait until a minor dental issue becomes a major concern. Schedule your next cleaning with our Elmwood Park, IL dentist today by calling (773) 237-1608 and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile!