Exam/Cleaning

SmileCare Dental of Fitchburg / Exam/Cleaning

Dental Exam And Cleaning

A thorough dental exam and cleaning should be performed every six months. Most dental cleanings are performed by a dental hygienist. Plaque can be removed at home during brushing, but tartar buildup can only be removed by a dental professional. however prior to the cleaning, there will be an examination of your mouth. This will include the use of a small mirror to check your teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis or any other potential issues.

We follow that up with a thorough cleaning using an electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. This will gently scrub your teeth to remove any remaining debris. This dental polishing is safe to be done twice a year by a dental professional, but it is important to be gentler on your teeth at home, otherwise you could wear down your enamel.

Finally, we will floss and rinse your teeth. We are experts at flossing and can get into even those hard to reach places to leave your mouth feeling as clean as possible. Rinsing will remove any debris that is left over from the cleaning.

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Routine Checkup and Cleaning Every 6 Months

Every Six Months

It is important to have a professional cleaning to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums, and an exam can spot and treat any issues before they can turn in to big problems.

Remove Tartar Buildup

A scaler will be used to remove plaque and tartar buildup at the gumline and in between the teeth. Brush and floss regularly to avoid plaque buildup that harden into tartar.

Fluoride Treatment

Some patients may also benefit from a fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of your teeth, helping to protect against decay.

We encourage patients to visit us at least every six months for a routine cleaning and exam. This gives us the opportunity to provide a thorough cleaning, as well as a comprehensive exam. By maintaining regular appointments, we can catch any issues that may be present and address them before they have a chance to become big problems.

Dental Cleaning FAQ

What can I expect at my dental cleaning?

You will leave our office with a clean and refreshed smile. We’ll remove any plaque or tartar buildup, clean and polish your teeth to remove bacteria, and provide a fluoride treatment if needed for extra protection.

How often should I have a professional dental cleaning?

For those with healthy smiles, it is recommended to visit our office every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. If you have a history of periodontal disease or other oral health issue, more recommend more frequent visits.

What can I do at home to maintain a good oral care routine?

Brush in the morning and at night, or after each meal if possible. Floss daily and rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Change out your toothbrush every two to three months and avoid brushing too vigorously. This can cause tooth sensitivity and bleeding gums.

What can happen to my smile if I don’t take care of my teeth?

Our mouths are full of bacteria – some of which is helpful, but some of which can be damaging to our smiles. When these bacteria accumulate and mixes with debris from food and drink, dangerous acid can form that can eat away at the enamel of our teeth. This can lead to decay, but also gum disease and staining. Tooth loss and other oral diseases can occur if these issues aren’t taken care of.