Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your oral health and a bright smile. Diagnosing issues like teeth movement, cavities, and more is always best done early. Dental cleanings should be completed every six months.
Dental Cleaning in Auckland
Our dental hygienists have received specialized training to assist our dentists in caring for you and implementing your treatment plan. They play an essential role in every dental clinic and in preserving your oral health. Their primary goal is to keep your teeth healthy and your gums disease-free.
Most adults should see a hygienist twice a year. However, those who have gum disease or are at risk for developing it should see a hygienist more frequently and for longer amounts of time.
Scaling (the removal of tartar build-up from the teeth and gum line) and polishing the teeth are typical procedures during a dental hygiene appointment (the removal of staining from the surface of the teeth).
To the extent that an adult tooth does not require treatment to the nerve, all of our hygienists are licensed dental therapists who may do operations more generally associated with a dentist, such as fillings and extractions of baby teeth using the same materials as a dentist would. They are unable to fix a tooth in an adult.
Our hygienists are able to provide the following services in addition to scaling and polishing:
Teeth Whitening – to get rid of more stubborn stains or to make your teeth shine.
Non-fluoride alternatives are available
Fluoride varnish
Fissure sealants
Laser Assisted Periodontal Treatment
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Why are regular teeth cleanings important?
Many oral health concerns can only be detected through a thorough examination by a trained dentist. Dental check-ups cover oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays to check for hidden issues, and professional cleanings to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other build-ups that daily brushing and flossing can’t effectively remove.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so early intervention is vital. Once gum disease has taken its toll on the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored. Gum disease can only be managed once it has taken hold. Your dental hygienist will use a small ruler to gently measure the gum “pocket” around each of your teeth, making note of areas that you can’t clean with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are used in combination with these measurements, to identify where bone recession has taken place.
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How regularly should you get dental cleanings?
Ideally, dental check-ups are performed every six months. On your first visit to the dentist, they will ask for a full health history to gain an understanding of your past and current health. From there, regular dental check-ups will be used to determine any change in your oral health and keep your teeth and oral health properly maintained.
Most dentists, recommend six months because the maintenance and cleaning provide a level of deep cleanings and preventative care that is not possible at home.
As long as your mouth is free of gum disease and heavy build-up, six months is about the average length of time for tartar and stain to accumulate to where another professional cleaning is required. For individuals with a history of periodontitis, these visits may need to be as regular as every 3-4 months.
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Why are brushing and flossing important?
We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they disrupt the complex network of bacteria called biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen.
And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once. Helping and encouraging your child to make brushing and flossing a part of their habits will help them have a healthy smile throughout their life!
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What are other preventative dental care strategies?
Besides having your teeth cleaned and stain polished off, our dental cleaning process also provides other preventative services, such as:
Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers the risk of decay or cavities.
Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses demineralisation which if allowed to occur leads to tooth decay. Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children.
Oral Cancer Screenings — This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screenings can be lifesaving. We complete a cancer exam as part of every check-up appointment.
Diagnostic X-rays — Periodic dental X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth so that we can treat them in the least invasive manner possible before they worsen.
Is It Time For Your Next Cleaning?
If you have more questions about dental cleanings and other preventative dental care, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
