Today’s post focuses on professional dental cleanings. You might wonder if you need a professional dental cleaning if you already practice dental hygiene daily at home. The answer is that both processes are important because they work in tandem to maintain dental health in Murray.
Dr. Clint Blackwood encourages patients to practice preventative dentistry by:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Eating a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
- Receiving regular dental cleanings
- Getting regular checkups
Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of your daily oral care by removing the plaque and tartar that can accumulate regardless of daily brushing and flossing. In fact, when plaque hardens, it can only be removed with the special tools used by a hygienist.
A hygienist will first use a vibrating ultrasonic tool to dislodge the largest pieces of tartar. This process may tickle a bit. The hygienist will then use tools with finer attachments to remove the smaller pieces of calculus. When all plaque and tartar is gone, polishing is the final step in the cleaning process. If you have braces, you may want more frequent dental cleanings because food can easily lodge between the wires.
The goal is to make your tooth surfaces as smooth as possible, to prohibit food particles from lodging in little spaces that are difficult to clean. If you are having an exam during the same visit, your technician may take dental x-rays. X-rays can reveal cavities while they are small and can be easily filled. Let your hygienist know if your teeth are sensitive so he/she can make your cleaning as comfortable as possible. After the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be given to help strengthen your teeth and improve dental health in Murray.
Before your hygienist leaves, you may want to ask if there are areas you can improve your dental health in Murray. Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are presenting a problem, you can meet with Dr. Blackwood about sealants. Our practice also offers services such as dental implants, porcelain veneers, and sedation dentistry. Call Salt Lake Dental Care at 801-938-8855 to schedule a professional cleaning today! Your smile will thank you.
Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:
801-938-8855
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107
