When most people think of dental cleaning services, they think of teeth cleaning. However, there is much more to dental cleaning services than just teeth cleaning. Dental cleaning services also include gum disease treatment, tooth decay prevention, and more. Below, we will discuss everything you need to know about dental cleaning services.
What is Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a preventative dental procedure involving removing tartar, plaque, and stains from your teeth. A dental cleaning is performed by a dental hygienist and is usually done every six months.
What Does Dental Cleaning Include?
- Teeth Cleaning: The teeth cleaning portion of the dental cleaning in Medicine Hat involves the removal of tartar, plaque, and stains from your teeth. Tartar is a hard deposit that forms on your teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Stains can be caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and other food and drinks.
- Gum Disease Treatment: People with gum disease are at a higher risk for other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can destroy the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Gum disease is usually painless in the early stages. However, in the later stages, gum disease can cause pain, bleeding, and problems with your teeth. Gum disease is treated with a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing.
- Tooth Decay Prevention: Tooth decay is another serious problem that can be prevented with regular dental cleanings. Tooth decay is caused by plaque that produces acids that destroy tooth enamel. Once the enamel is destroyed, the tooth decay process can continue until it reaches the inner layer of the tooth, which is called the pulp. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerve endings, which can be very painful if it becomes infected.
Tooth decay can also lead to an abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket that forms around the tooth. An abscess can cause severe pain, as well as fever and swelling. If an abscess is not treated, it can spread to other body parts and become life-threatening. Regular dental cleanings can help to remove plaque before it has a chance to destroy the tooth enamel.
- Halitosis: Bad breath, or halitosis, is another common problem that can be helped with regular dental cleanings. Bad breath is often caused by plaque and tartar, as well as by food particles that become trapped in the teeth. These particles can lead to bacterial growth, which can cause bad breath. Dental cleanings can remove plaque and tartar, as well as any food particles that are stuck in the teeth. This can help to freshen your breath and reduce the risk of bad breath.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer is most common in people over the age of 40, and the risk increases with age. Smoking and heavy alcohol use are also risk factors for oral cancer. The dentist or hygienist will look for any signs of oral cancer during a dental cleaning. These can include red or white patches in the mouth, lumps or swellings, and changes in how the teeth fit together. Early detection of oral cancer is important because it is easier to treat when it is caught early.
What should I expect during a dental cleaning service?
When you visit a clinic for family dental services in Medicine Hat, you can expect a thorough cleaning of your teeth, gums, and mouth. The dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to remove any plaque, tartar, or other buildup on your teeth. They will also polish your teeth to remove any remaining staining or discoloration.
You should also expect a bit of discomfort during the cleaning, as the dentist or hygienist will work in your mouth. However, this discomfort should be minimal and should go away once the cleaning is complete.
What Is The Cost Of Dental Cleaning Services?
The cost of dental cleaning services will vary depending on the dentist or hygienist you visit and the type of cleaning you need. However, most dental cleaning services fall within the $50 to $200 range.
Your dental cleaning may be covered if you have dental insurance, although you will likely still be responsible for a copay or deductible.
The Bottom Line
Dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. They remove plaque and tartar, help to prevent bad breath, and leave your teeth looking clean and polished. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to experience the benefits of dental cleanings.