Why Dental Cleanings Are So Important

At Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto, we are proponents of prevention rather than treating dental problems after they develop. We are proud to offer cutting-edge preventive dentistry procedures, including dental cleanings, to ensure our valued patients enjoy long-term healthy smiles. Here’s a look at dental cleanings and how they promote your oral health.

Why Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?

Dental cleanings are considered an integral component of preventive dentistry, designed to halt the onset and progression of dental disease. Here are some of their benefits:

• Our hygienist will remove plaque and tartar deposits during your cleaning, which helps lower the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of early tooth loss in adults. 
• A strong link exists between gum disease and serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more, so preventing gum disease translates to a healthier you! 
• Our hygienist will remove most surface stains that discolor and dull your teeth, leaving you with a whiter, brighter smile. 
• Each visit will include a dental exam, which allows us to detect dental problems in their earliest stages when easiest to treat.
• Since most dental plans cover cleanings, you’ll save money in the long run by preventing the need for extensive treatment down the road. 
• Dental cleanings save lives by helping detect tell-tale signs of oral cancer early on, allowing for the best chance of cure. 

How Often Should You Schedule Your Dental Cleanings?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should schedule your routine dental care at intervals determined by a dentist to maintain your oral health. At Highlight Family Dentistry, most of our patients require dental exams and cleanings every six months. However, if you have gum disease or are at risk of developing tooth decay and cavities, we may recommend more frequent visits. Our goal is to help our valued patients maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime!

What Should You Expect During Your Dental Cleaning?

Our dental hygienist will start by gently cleaning around the gum line and in between your teeth using an instrument called an ultrasonic scaler which uses electromagnetic forces to cause vibrations that are faster than the speed of sound, blasting plaque, and tartar deposits away. A small stream of water near the tip of the scaler will help eliminate any remaining buildup. 

After removing any plaque or tartar deposits, we will polish your teeth using a gritty polisher to clear away any remaining plaque as well as surface stains. The last step is professional flossing to remove any debris that may still be trapped between your teeth.

If you have periodontal disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing, which is similar to a routine cleaning with a few additional steps. During your deep cleaning, our hygienist will not only use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar deposits but also clean and smooth out the tooth roots, which promotes gum tissue healing and reattachment to the clean tooth surfaces.

Dental Cleanings Near Me

Visit Highlight Family Dentistry in Hutto, TX, to learn more about our preventive dentistry services, including dental cleanings. Our dedicated team is committed to maintaining healthy teeth and gums for long-term beautiful, functional smiles. Call us at (512) 886-2644 to schedule your appointment today!