Professional cleanings generally take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. Our office will always update patient records to properly track oral cavity anomalies. We will also use a scaler to remove tartar, bacteria, and plaque from teeth by scraping them off. This is done both above and below the gum line.

Once completed, we will use an abrasive toothpaste to remove any stains on tooth enamel. X-rays are also taken to evaluate the jawbone's health and determine if any action needs to be taken to ensure oral health.

During these professional cleanings, we will also check the patient's teeth for any changes in their oral pathology. We look for ulcers, sores, abscesses, and other tissue anomalies. Identifying abnormal tissue growths is crucial, as we can determine if they indicate oral cancer and other diseases or illnesses.

Despite concerns, professional dental exams and cleanings typically cause only mild discomfort as we remove tartar, bacteria, and plaque from the teeth and gum surfaces. Here’s what to expect:

• Medical History Update: One of the most important aspects of the exam is updating the patient's medical history. This provides us with all the detailed information necessary to determine their future care. It also allows us to note any prescription medication the patient might need, which could impact their care.

• Physical Examination: After we gather the medical history information, we will examine the head, neck, jaw, and mouth to look for any limited range of motion, discolorations, ulcers, and abnormal tissue growths in and around the oral cavity. We will use X-rays to determine the health of the underlying jawbone structure. This is important because the gums and teeth will be affected without a healthy jawbone.

• Cleaning and Screening: Once the assessment has been completed, we will clean the oral cavity of all tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the surface of the teeth, both above and below the gum line. We will also screen for oral cancer, looking for any oral cavity tissue that might warrant further assessment.

According to the American Dental Association's recommendations, patients must come into the office for cleanings and examinations twice a year at a minimum. This recommendation is for patients of all ages.

When cleanings are done regularly, they help maintain high oral cavity health. When paired with brushing and flossing at home, the patient's mouth will be well-defended against decay and disease.

Brushing and flossing daily keeps the dangerous bacteria that live in the oral cavity at healthy levels. It helps to remove the bacteria from the surfaces of the gums and teeth and hinders tooth decay and the development of periodontal disease.

Professional cleanings are essential because they provide a deep cleansing for the oral cavity, reaching areas that brushing and flossing alone cannot. It helps remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the visible areas of the teeth and gums and those below them.

When the oral cavity has an infection, it can easily spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, leading to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and diabetes.