Practicing good oral hygiene at home with thorough brushing and regular flossing is essential for protecting your oral health. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing alone usually aren't enough to prevent all oral health problems. While these good habits help to clear away food debris, plaque, and bacteria daily, they often only slow the accumulation of calculus (hardened plaque and tartar) on the surfaces of the teeth that can lead to future oral health problems if left unaddressed. 

What Is a Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Also called dental prophylaxis or dental hygiene, a professional teeth cleaning is a deep, thorough teeth cleaning provided by a skilled dental hygienist. A professional dental cleaning removes the accumulated calculus and plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, in between the teeth, and just below the gum line. 

Why Professional Teeth Cleanings Are So Important

Professional teeth cleanings are the foundation of comprehensive general and preventative dental care. Oral hygiene appointments are vital to preventing oral health problems and maintaining both oral and overall wellness. 

The Benefits of Dental Cleanings

Some of the most notable benefits of dental prophylaxis include:

• Prevent gingivitis and gum disease (periodontal disease) for healthier gums
• Prevent tooth decay and cavities for stronger teeth
• Detect and address oral health problems early for less complex treatments
• Remove surface-level stains and discoloration from the surfaces of the teeth for a brighter smile
• Safeguard the overall health of your body for total wellness

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

While many people consider their oral health and general wellness to be separate, the two are quite closely related, with the body's health impacting oral health and oral health impacting the health of the body. 

For example, the elevated levels of harmful oral bacteria associated with gingivitis and later stages of periodontal disease can lead to generalized inflammation throughout the body. Periodontal disease has also been associated with an increased risk of several systemic diseases, such as:

• Chronic respiratory infections
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Dementia
• Certain types of cancer
• Reproductive health problems

Additionally, several systemic health problems can increase the risk of poor oral health. In many of these cases, it isn't clear whether the systemic illness causes oral health problems or if the oral health problems cause the systemic health issues. What is clear, however, is that oral health and general health are very closely connected. So, taking care of your teeth and gums will also help to support general wellness throughout your body. 

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned at the Dentist?

For optimal wellness, the American Dental Association recommends that most healthy patients visit the dentist at least twice a year (once every six months). Based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and medical history, your recommended teeth-cleaning schedule might vary, with more or less frequent appointments.

What to Expect During a Professional Teeth Cleaning Appointment

Each routine dental cleaning appointment begins with a patient consultation. At this time, our dental hygienist will talk with you about your oral hygiene routine and any new symptoms you've noticed. We will also update your medical history and records, so be sure to let us know if you've started or stopped any medications or have had any other changes. 

Prophylaxis Cleaning

Our dental hygienist will then begin the cleaning portion of your dental appointment. To clean your teeth, we use a set of tools that are specially designed to fit along the contours of your teeth, allowing us to clean every nook and crevice. We use these tools to first scale your teeth. This is a process of gently scraping the accumulated calculus to remove it from your tooth enamel. 

We then use a tool with a rotating head and a gritty paste to polish the surfaces of your teeth. This helps to remove any remaining tartar while also lifting stains from the surfaces of your teeth.

Throughout this process, our hygienist will check in with you to ensure that you are comfortable, providing you with opportunities to rinse your mouth and take breaks if needed. 

Our hygienists are experienced and use a gentle touch to ensure a pain-free process. In some cases where deeper cleaning is needed (such as scaling and root planing), local anesthetic might be administered to ensure the patient's comfort. 

Digital Dental Radiographs

You won't need dental X-rays at every appointment, but we might recommend taking a set of digital dental radiographs from time to time (or as often as your insurance pays for them). These radiographs enable us to examine the parts of your oral anatomy that are not visible to the naked eye, such as the insides of your teeth and the structures below the gum line. These images allow us to detect potential health problems, often before they cause symptoms. 

Dental Examination and Treatment Recommendations

After your dental cleaning, your appointment might also include an examination with one of our dentists. During the exam, the dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth and gums, evaluating them visually and using tools to test their strength and to measure the depth of the gingival pockets. 

If we detect signs of oral health problems, we will discuss these findings with you and provide you with a variety of treatment recommendations. 

Preventative Dental Treatments

During your dental cleaning appointment, we might also recommend additional preventative dental services such as fluoride applications or dental sealants. Fluoride can help to reverse early tooth decay and strengthen your tooth enamel, while dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of your molars from decay. 

Oral Cancer Screening

Each dental appointment also includes an oral cancer screening. Our dentist examines your oral cavity, soft tissues (cheeks, lips, and gums), and your neck, looking for abnormalities such as discoloration, sores, lumps, or bumps. If we detect any abnormalities, we will provide you with additional instructions. 

Patient Education

Teeth cleaning appointments are an excellent opportunity for patient education. During these appointments, your dental hygienist will provide you with oral health care advice to address any issues you might be experiencing. We will instruct you on proper oral hygiene techniques and offer you personalized recommendations for products and tools that could help you optimize your routine for better oral health. 

How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost at the Dentist?

Professional dental cleaning appointments cost an average of $75 to $200, depending on the type of dental cleaning (regular or deep) and any additional services provided during the appointment. 

Most dental insurance plans include coverage for preventative care appointments, like professional dental cleanings. If you are concerned about the cost of maintaining your oral health with preventative dentistry, we encourage you to contact our office. Our team will be happy to talk with you about your payment options while helping you navigate your insurance policy. 

We Prioritize Patient Comfort for an Exceptional Oral Health Experience

At Whole Dental Wellness, we provide patient-centered care that considers each patient's unique dental and medical needs to provide complete care focused on achieving and maintaining optimal oral and general health. Our team of highly experienced dentists and dental hygienists uses state-of-the-art treatments and technology to provide exceptional oral health care while prioritizing patient comfort with advanced tools and a gentle touch. 

If it's time for your next professional teeth cleaning appointment, we welcome you to contact Whole Dental Wellness, where we provide complete dental care to patients in metro Detroit.