Professional Dental Cleanings
Even with excellent brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can build up in areas that are difficult to reach.
During your dental hygiene appointment, your hygienist will carefully remove plaque, tartar, and surface staining from your teeth. Your teeth may also be polished to leave them feeling smooth and refreshed.
Regular professional cleanings can help reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health concerns.
Meet Our Dental Hygienists
Gum Health Assessment
During your hygiene visit, we will assess the condition of your gums and look for signs of inflammation, bleeding, recession, or periodontal disease. Depending on your individual needs, your hygienist may also measure the spaces around your teeth to monitor the health of the supporting gum tissue and bone.
If gum disease is detected, we will discuss your options and develop a treatment and maintenance plan designed specifically for you.
Preventive Dental Care
Dental hygiene appointments are about more than simply cleaning your teeth. They also provide an opportunity to monitor changes in your oral health and help prevent small concerns from becoming larger problems.
Depending on your needs, your hygiene appointment may include:
- Removal of plaque and tartar buildup
- Professional tooth polishing
- Gum and periodontal health assessment
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Flossing and brushing recommendations
- Fluoride treatment when appropriate
- Dental X-rays when required
- Monitoring for signs of tooth decay or other oral health concerns
Oral Cancer Screening
Your dental hygiene schedule will be based on your individual oral health rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. As part of your ongoing preventive dental care, our dental team can examine your mouth for unusual changes involving the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and other oral tissues.
Regular dental visits provide an important opportunity to identify changes early and recommend further assessment when needed.
Personalized Home Care Advice
Good oral health continues between dental appointments. Our dental hygienists can provide practical advice about brushing, flossing, interdental cleaning, and other home-care techniques based on your individual needs.
Whether you are caring for natural teeth, crowns, bridges, dental implants, dentures, or orthodontic appliances, we can help you find techniques and products that make your daily routine easier and more effective.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
The ideal frequency for dental hygiene appointments varies from person to person.
Some patients may maintain excellent oral health with routine visits every six months, while others may benefit from more frequent appointments due to gum disease, heavier tartar buildup, dental restorations, medical considerations, or other oral health needs.
At Smith Family Dentistry, we will recommend a hygiene schedule based on the health of your teeth and gums and adjust that schedule when necessary.
