DENTAL CLEANINGS

Regular dental cleanings by our team of providers at Pingree Smile center are part of a proper oral hygiene program. Routine Cleanings help fight plaque, the major cause of tooth decay, gingivitis and serious gum disease.

Why do I need regular dental cleanings?

Plaque control is a major component of preventative care, and our Pingree Smile Center team can be your main ally in this effort. While daily brushing and flossing are your first line of defense against accumulating plaque, the professional cleaning from our providers at Pingree Smile Center is more thorough than the best you can do at home. Even proper brushing alone can’t remove the tartar (hardened plaque) that accumulates at the gum-line. Good hygiene and regular dental cleanings are cost-effective as they prevent more costly gum treatments and gum disease which is the #1 reason of early tooth loss. It costs much more to have teeth repaired and replaced than it does to have regular exams and cleanings.

What happens during a regular dental cleaning?

Usually an exam and cleaning are scheduled during the same appointment. Stubborn plaque and tartar will be removed by your Pingree Grove dentist or hygienist with specially designed dental tools followed by a polish to remove any remaining debris. Proper home care instructions will be reviewed so you can maintain great home care and reduce plaque build up.

How often do I need cleanings?

Many adults and kids require cleanings every six months. If your mouth is prone to tooth decay, tartar buildup or gum disease, Dr. Kalpit and Dr. Lucy will recommend more frequent appointments as preventing more invasive gum disease treatment is worth the extra cleaning during the course of a year.

What is Gum Disease?

The connection between general overall health and dental oral health is one that has been researched quite significantly. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is often associated with systemic conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes and heart disease. Your lifestyle choices, such as smoking, improper home care and avoiding regular check ups with the dentist can also have a great impact on the health of your gums and your overall health.

Periodontal disease is an infectious process affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. This includes the gums, and the supporting jaw bone that houses teeth. Periodontal disease can result in bone loss and eventually cause loose teeth and tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease is usually a slow, painless and progressive process. Most adults with periodontal disease are unaware they have it, but tooth loss can be prevented if diagnosed and treated early. This is why a full periodontal evaluation is completed at our office for all adult patients and proper steps are taken to prevent gum disease and treat right away if signs and symptoms are present.

Some signs and Symptoms of gums disease include:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums while brushing
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

It is highly recommended that every patient gets a dental examination and a professional cleaning at-least twice a year to monitor the oral cavity and watch for any signs of oral diseases. However, patients that have gum disease need to have their teeth cleaned professionally every three to four months to halt the disease process and maintain the health of the gums. This ensures bacteria that cause gum disease and the diseased tissue are debrided fully before they cause damage to the healthy surrounding gums and bone.

At our office, we make sure that you receive the highest quality of care, and we also help you establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth healthy long after you leave our office. Your Pingree Grove dentists will discuss your diagnosis in detail and go over treatment options and recommendations.

Depending on the findings from your comprehensive examination which includes a thorough evaluation of your gums and surrounding areas, your dentist will recommend a periodontal cleaning schedule that best suits your needs.