Maintain Your Oral Health at Spectrum Dental Group
Regular dental cleanings are not only important to maintain a beautiful smile, but they’re also essential for good oral health. At our Irvine, CA, dental office, Dr. Wayne Wu and our team encourage our patients to keep up with their dental cleaning appointments. During a cleaning, plaque, and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath are removed, leaving you with a fresh and healthy smile.
Our team of experienced professionals at Spectrum Dental Group is here to guide you through the process and ensure your comfort every step of the way. Call (949) 788-0088 to schedule your family’s routine dental cleanings with our Irvine dentist.
What Are Dental Cleanings?
Dental cleanings are routine dental procedures aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth to maintain oral health. Dental cleanings reach many areas in your mouth that regular at-home brushing and flossing can’t reach. These cleanings are performed by our Irvine dentists and are an essential component of preventive dental care.
It’s recommended to get a professional dental cleaning twice a year to prevent future dental issues.
The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues. Here’s why regular dental cleanings are important:
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Over time, plaque can build up on your teeth and harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove without professional help. Regular cleanings prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Gum Disease Prevention: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when plaque and tartar cause inflammation and infection in your gums. Regular cleanings help keep your gums healthy and prevent the progression of gum disease.
- Fresher Breath: Plaque and tartar can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath. Regular cleanings remove these deposits, resulting in fresher breath.
- Improved Health: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Gum disease has been associated with systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. Regular dental cleanings reduce the risk of gum disease, which may contribute to better general health.
- Aesthetic Benefits: Professional cleanings remove small surface stains and polish the teeth, giving you a brighter smile. This can boost your confidence and encourage better oral hygiene practices.
What Happens At Your Dental Cleaning Appointment?
Initial Examination
Our Irvine dentist will begin by examining your mouth to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. This examination may involve a visual inspection, dental instruments, or dental X-rays to identify potential issues like cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Plaque and tartar will then be removed from your teeth. A dental scaler or ultrasonic scaler will gently scrape away tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline.
Ultrasonic scalers use vibrations and water to break up and remove tartar, while traditional scalers manually scrape it away. This process is critical because tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing.
Polishing and Flossing
After scaling, a rotary polishing tool with a special paste will polish your teeth. This step removes surface stains and leaves the teeth smooth to help prevent future plaque buildup.
Our dentist will then floss between your teeth to remove any debris that might have been dislodged during scaling and polishing. Flossing also helps ensure that your gums are clean and healthy.
Fluoride Treatment
In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen your tooth’s enamel and protect against cavities. Fluoride can be applied as a gel, foam, or varnish and is typically left on your teeth for a few minutes.
A dental cleaning appointment is a simple and painless procedure, but if you have any questions or concerns, our Spectrum Dental Group team is always here to help! To schedule your next appointment with our Irvine dentist, call (949) 788-0088 today!
How Often Should I Get a Dental Cleaning?
Everyone should get regular dental cleanings. Most dentists recommend getting a dental cleaning every six months as part of routine preventive care. Our team at Spectrum Dental Group can help you determine the ideal frequency of dental cleanings for you. We can assess your oral health and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and risk factors.
Here’s a breakdown of who should get a professional dental cleaning:
- Adults: All adults should get regular dental cleanings to maintain oral health, prevent gum disease and cavities, and detect any dental issues early.
- Children: Pediatric dental cleanings help children develop good oral hygiene habits and monitor their oral health as they grow. Regular cleanings can prevent tooth decay and other common childhood dental issues.
- Teens & Young Adults: Teenagers and young adults might be at increased risk of cavities due to diet and lifestyle changes. Regular cleanings help manage these risks and ensure proper oral development.
- Seniors: As people age, they might face unique dental challenges, such as gum disease, tooth loss, or other health-related issues. Regular cleanings are crucial for seniors to maintain oral health and address age-related dental concerns.
- Individuals with Gum Disease: Those with a history of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) should have regular dental cleanings to prevent the disease from worsening or recurring. Deep cleanings like scaling and root planing may be needed to manage gum disease.
- People with Dental Appliances: If you have dental appliances such as braces, retainers, dental implants, or dentures, regular cleanings ensure they’re properly maintained and don’t cause additional dental problems.
- Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions: People with diabetes, heart disease, or other health conditions may have an increased risk of dental problems. Regular cleanings can help manage these risks and maintain oral health.
- Smokers and Tobacco Users: Tobacco use can increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Regular dental cleanings can help detect early signs of these conditions and encourage better oral hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental cleanings are generally painless. However, if you have sensitive gums or significant tartar buildup, you might experience slight discomfort during scaling. Let your dental hygienist know if you feel discomfort, and they can adjust the procedure or suggest pain relief options.
There’s no special preparation required for a dental cleaning. Simply brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. If you have dental anxiety or specific concerns, discuss them with your dentist before the appointment.
Yes, you can eat and drink after a dental cleaning. If you’ve had a fluoride treatment, it’s best to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to take effect.
If you have dental anxiety, let your dental office know in advance. They can offer various strategies to make you more comfortable, such as sedation, distraction techniques, or a gentle approach during the cleaning.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings, typically twice a year. However, coverage details can vary, so check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today!
At our Irvine, CA, dental office, we offer dental cleanings for those looking for a fresh smile. If you’re wondering if you’ll be a good candidate, we’ll be happy to meet with you to discuss your oral hygiene goals.
Contact Spectrum Dental Group at (949) 788-0088 and schedule your appointment today! We look forward to meeting new and returning patients!