Teeth Cleaning
East Dundee, IL
Dental Cleanings provided by Dr. Gregory M. Neu, DDS
in East Dundee, IL at Neu Family Dental
 If you floss and brush your teeth every day, your teeth cleaning should last about six months. If you are doing all of these things but are noticing stains, there is a good chance that you are doing something to stain your teeth in the first place. Some people drink coffee, tea, or red wine right after they get their dental cleaning and exam, and these beverages will quickly make the stains come back. The only way to prevent this is to try not to consume much of these dark pigmented drinks for the six month period after getting your teeth cleaned. Also, ensure you see our dental hygienist at Neu Family Dental regularly in order to maintain your dental cleanings. Oral cancer screenings and checking for periodontal disease are also important parts of your regular teeth cleanings and exams.
Brushing and Flossing Will Prevent Bacteria Building Up in Your Mouth
One of the most important things you can do for your teeth is to brush and floss daily. It is essential to remove the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease from your teeth, gums, and tongue, which can lead to plaque.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. If not removed, it can harden into tartar or calculus. Tartar is a major cause of periodontal disease, which affects the attachment of the gum tissue to your tooth. As much as brushing will help maintain your dental cleaning, it is not the only thing to do. It is also important to have a good dental hygiene routine.
We all have our routines. We wake up, brush our teeth and head off to work or school. Have you ever thought about your oral health routine in detail? The way you maintain your oral health greatly determines how long your teeth cleaning will last.
Use a Mouthwash At Least Once a Day
Using mouthwash at least once a day helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. You can also use it as an alternative to brushing your teeth with toothpaste, but this is usually not advisable. However, if you have braces or any other metal in your mouth, you should avoid using mouthwash since it may tarnish the metal. If you are unable to brush your teeth, you can use mouthwash as an alternative. It is important to choose a mouthwash that has fluoride in it when using it as an alternative to brushing your teeth. This will help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities from forming. It is also important to look at the alcohol content in the mouthwash you choose. If you do not know what specifications to check, consult our dentist to get the best advice. This will ensure that the mouthwash does not damage your teeth and gums. It will also keep your mouth clean and fresh.
Oral Cancer Screenings
A screening for oral cancer is an important part of a comprehensive dental exam. This exam should be performed once a year or more often if you have risk factors for oral cancer. During the screening, our dentist will run their fingers or specific tools over your mouth to feel if your tissues are okay. We will check for any sores, bumps, or lumps. If there are any, we will use other tests like oral screening dye and light to check if the cells are cancerous.
Why is it Important to Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Screening for oral cancer can help detect abnormal tissue so that treatment can begin before cancer spreads. Early treatment can also help you avoid more invasive procedures later on down the road. If you have been using alcohol or tobacco, it is best you go and get tested. Some of the symptoms that might show you have the disease may include: ongoing sores in your throat or mouth, red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or even in the mouth lining. You may also experience difficulty chewing or swallowing. Hoarseness or unusual lumps in the neck area, voice changes, and ear pain are also signs that you may have oral cancer.
Reasons for Having Periodontal Care and Maintenance
Although gum disease has no cure, preventive dental practices are vital in helping protect the gums and teeth. Proper oral hygiene is the only secret to managing gum disease. You also want to schedule regular, timely visits with our dental office.
Besides preventing gum disease from recurring, periodontal care and maintenance also help manage inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Often, there is an association between gum disease and chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. Bacteria responsible for causing gum disease can spread to attack other organs, often worsening any existing chronic conditions or even triggering their development.
Periodontal Care and Maintenance
A dentist performs periodontal care and maintenance to help keep the work that was achieved through scaling and root planing. Moreover, it helps maintain healthy gums among patients who receive gum disease treatment via surgery. A routine dental cleaning, often called prophy, helps remove bacteria and plaque around and on the tooth surface. When plaque spreads to form and build up in hidden areas like the gum pockets, you may need more detailed periodontal maintenance care. The cleaning is often intensive to allow the dentist access to the areas under the gum line in addition to the areas around the roots. Our dentist removes tartar and bacteria that lead to an inflammatory response, which is associated with gum disease.
After receiving your gum disease treatment, you should ensure you do not skip your periodontal maintenance and care visits with our dental team at Neu Family Dental. We will let you know when your next scheduled periodontal maintenance visit will be so that you keep your gum disease at bay. Remember prevention is better than cure, more so when it comes to gum disease since there is no cure for this infection.
FAQs
What is a professional teeth cleaning?
A professional teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a dental procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. It is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist using specialized tools to ensure a thorough cleaning that you can't achieve with regular brushing and flossing.
Why is teeth cleaning important?
Teeth cleaning is important because it helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Regular professional cleanings also contribute to overall oral health, reducing the risk of more serious dental issues and maintaining a bright, healthy smile.
How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?
Most dentists recommend getting your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings to maintain optimal dental hygiene and prevent any potential issues.
What can I expect during a teeth cleaning appointment?
During a teeth cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, clean and polish them, and apply fluoride if needed. They will also check for signs of cavities or gum disease and provide tips for maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
Is teeth cleaning painful?
Teeth cleaning is generally not painful. You may feel some discomfort if you have sensitive teeth or gums, but your dental hygienist will work to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Communicate any discomfort, and they can adjust their technique or use numbing agents if necessary.
Can teeth cleaning remove stains?
Yes, teeth cleaning can help remove surface stains caused by food, drinks, and tobacco. While professional cleaning can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth, deep stains may require additional treatments such as teeth whitening for more effective results.
How can I maintain clean teeth between professional cleanings?
To maintain clean teeth between professional cleanings, brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Additionally, limit sugary foods and drinks, avoid tobacco products, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
What are the signs that I need a teeth cleaning?
Signs that you may need a teeth cleaning include persistent bad breath, gum inflammation or bleeding, visible tartar buildup, and tooth sensitivity. Regular dental visits can help identify these issues early and keep your oral health in check.
Can professional teeth cleaning improve gum health?
Yes, professional teeth cleaning can significantly improve gum health by removing plaque and tartar that cause gum disease. Regular cleanings can prevent gingivitis and periodontitis, promoting healthy gums and preventing tooth loss.
What should I do after a teeth cleaning?
After a teeth cleaning, continue with your regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing. Avoid eating or drinking anything staining, like coffee or red wine, for a few hours. If you received a fluoride treatment, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.
Find A Dentist You Trust in East Dundee, IL
If you are looking for a reliable dentist around East Dundee, IL, visit our dental office, Neu Family Dental. You can call us at (847) 230-9143 to schedule an appointment today! |
