CLEAN SMILES
Dental Cleanings
Everything in dentistry starts with a nice and clean slate.
Everything in dentistry starts with a nice and clean slate.
When was your last dental cleaning?
Has it been awhile? If it’s been more than six months, we need to talk. If it’s been more than a year, we really need to talk.
Seeing the dentist regularly for professional cleanings is critical for your oral and dental health. Here’s why:
Dentists are trained in removing plaque that can build up on teeth over time without proper care. This buildup of bacteria on tooth surfaces causes gums to recede and cavities to form. Regular visits with our hygienist or dentist will help prevent these problems before they start. We’ll also check for signs of gum disease like bleeding when you brush or floss. And if any problem does arise, we’ll be able to treat it right away.
First, your teeth are professionally cleaned. During this step, we remove the sticky plaque that can cover your teeth and is hard to remove through regular brushing alone. For some individuals, this plaque hardens over time into calculus, which can stretch below the gum line, causing periodontal disease.
Next, your teeth are polished. This step helps to make the teeth shine brighter by buffing out stains caused by food particles and drinks such as coffee, tea, cola and wine. It also removes surface roughness so your smile looks its best!
Next up is flossing. You should be flossing your teeth at least once per day, but this step in your dental exam allows us to remove any remaining plaque or food debris.
Finally, fluoride. We recommend fluoride treatments because they help strengthen tooth enamel, making it harder for decay-causing bacteria to stick to teeth.
Visits to the dentist aren’t just about cleaning; they’re also a chance for us to inspect your mouth to make sure your teeth, gums and other soft tissues and structures of the mouth are healthy. If you’ve had a recent change in your lifestyle or health, including pregnancy, we recommend scheduling an appointment sooner rather than later. Your mouth also needs extra attention after stopping tobacco products or as a result of fluctuating hormones. If you are a regular user of tobacco or e-cigarettes, you should talk to us about an oral cancer screening.
Your dentist’s office provides routine checkups where the dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral hygiene. These visits allow him/her to monitor changes in your oral health and provide preventive care if needed. These checkups also help identify potential problems before they become severe enough to cause damage.
We’ll also take a look at your jaws and how they come together to determine if you could benefit from treatment to improve your jaw health.
The American Academy of Periodontology recommends getting an exam every six to 12 months depending on the state of your oral health. Some people require more frequent dental exams due to their age, medical conditions or medications. Other factors include smoking habits, diet, stress levels and genetic
If you skip too many appointments, you could be at a greater risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, which can have serious consequences, such as pain, infection, bone loss, chronic illness and even premature death.
If your gum health is affected, you may be a candidate for a deeper dental cleaning known as root planing and scaling.
When you’re visiting us for a dental exam and professional cleaning, it’s also a great time for you to talk to us about your concerns about your dental health and any goals you may have for your smile.
If you’re considering cosmetic dental treatments, such as a dental implant, teeth whitening or dental crowns, let us know at your next appointment. If you’ve also thought about orthodontic treatments to improve the appearance of your smile or have questions about a smile makeover, we can help.
Call us now and schedule your next dental appointment.
Contact us to find out more or how we can help you.
3301 S Walton Drive Ste 19
Bentonville, AR 72712
Call Now: 479-259-9060
Office hours: Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm