Preventive Dentistry

How often should you have your teeth professionally cleaned?

We recommend having your teeth examined and cleaned on a regular basis (in most cases, twice a  year). By having an exam, potential problems can be identified and minor issues corrected before they cause you any pain or discomfort.

Having your teeth cleaned prevents plaque from building up along the gum line and helps reduce your risk of gum disease or tooth loss. Dr. LaBombard can provide you with tips on how to properly care for your teeth and identify areas where you may need to improve.

It’s important to make sure your children start seeing a dentist at an early age to eliminate any fear they may have about visiting the dentist or having their teeth cleaned.

Why are extraoral and intraoral photos used?

Dr. LaBombard uses extraoral and intraoral photos to show how your mouth looks both before and after certain procedures.

Extraoral photos show changes to the external portions of the face. Procedures that correct abnormalities within the mouth also have an impact on the external appearance of the face.

Intraoral photos show the interior of your mouth and help identify potential problems(cracks, small cavities)ed that can be fixed through the use of certain procedures. These photos are also taken before and after procedures so that Dr. LaBombard can show you the difference between the structure of your mouth before and after the procedure.

Are digital X-rays required at every yearly exam?

With a thorough examination, we can identify many potential problems by the examining the surface appearance of your teeth and the soft tissues without requiring an X-ray.

If we notice any abnormalities, such as a dark spot or a possible cavity, Dr. LaBombard may request a set of additional digital X-rays to ensure that the tooth’s interior isn’t damaged. Digital X-rays provide an accurate view of the interior of the tooth and allow us to identify even the smallest cavity.

Do I need professional teeth cleaning?

Yes, you need professional teeth cleaning. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, you still need to visit a dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.

Your mouth is an ecosystem filled with thousands of microorganisms, including good and bad bacteria. Regular brushing and flossing help control bacterial count in your mouth and removes the food debris that allows the bad bacteria to thrive.

However, bacteria constantly form in your mouth and create a sticky film called plaque that covers your teeth and gums. Plaque contributes to the development of tooth decay and gum disease.

When not brushed or flossed away immediately, plaque hardens into tartar, trapping the bacteria on your teeth and under your gums, which increases your risk of dental problems.

Tartar is a hard substance that sticks to the teeth, and a toothbrush or dental floss can’t remove it. The tools used during your professional teeth cleaning are the only way to remove the buildup of tartar from your teeth and gums.

What are the steps of teeth cleaning?

Like your dental visit and treatments, teeth cleaning is individualized based on your specific oral health needs. However, your dental expert follows steps to make sure your teeth cleaning is comprehensive.

Teeth cleaning steps may include:

Oral exam

Before your dental expert cleans your teeth, they first examine your mouth, gums, jaw, and bite. They also review your medical and oral health history. 

Removal of plaque and tartar

After the oral exam, your provider uses a dental mirror and scaler to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. 

Tooth polishing

Your provider then polishes your teeth with a special gritty toothpaste and an electric toothbrush to remove any remaining tartar on the surface of your teeth. Tooth polishing also removes surface stains to improve brightness. 

Professional flossing

Your dental expert then flosses your teeth and has you rinse your mouth with water and spit out into a sink to get rid of any remaining debris.

Application of fluoride

Once your teeth are clean and shiny, your dental provider applies a fluoride solution to your teeth to protect them from tooth decay. 

What happens after teeth cleaning?

After professional teeth cleaning, your dental expert talks to you about your at-home dental hygiene routine and makes specific recommendations based on your oral health needs. 

They may also take dental X-rays to evaluate the interior of your teeth and gums and look for problems that a visual inspection can’t see. 

Your dental expert also recommends when to come in for your next teeth cleaning.

For expert oral care and gentle teeth cleaning, call Dr. Brian LaBombard, DMD or book an appointment online today.