Dental Cleanings

One of the greatest contributors to a brilliant smile and healthy oral hygiene is preventive care, and one of the most effective preventive steps we can take is routine teeth cleanings. Teeth cleanings not only allow for a dental hygiene checkup but also create an opportunity to keep any minor oral care issues from developing into true dental damage.

Because teeth cleaning is such an effective tool to help keep patients’ mouths feeling and looking their finest, we at Smiles Family Dental are proud to say we keep compassionate, devoted and licensed dental hygienists as part of our team. Their dedication and training are essential to keeping our patients cavity- or gum disease-free! Call us at 972-444-9337 today to learn more and schedule an appointment with Dr. Angelie Zamora and Dr. Rebecca Kim for a teeth cleaning in Irving, Texas.

How Can a Dental Hygienist Help Me?

A dental hygienist is a trained dental professional. At Smiles Family Dental, one of our skilled hygienists will work alongside your dentist, providing observations to help make sure there are no dental health issues and assisting in diagnosing any dental issues that might have occurred. Our fantastic dental hygienists anticipate the needs of our dentists to help every treatment go smoothly.

At Smiles Family Dental, all our hygienists have completed a degree approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and are licensed by the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). This allows them the skills and experience needed to perform services for patients and to keep our practice at top efficiency.

These services include:

  • Dental cleanings
  • Patient screenings (preliminary exams)
  • Patient education
  • X-rays and impressions
  • Preventive care treatments such as fluoride or sealants
  • Some surgical tasks, such as removing sutures or administering local anesthesia before your dentist works on your teeth

So remember, at Smiles Family Dental, you are in experienced and talented hands from start to finish, from our hygienists to our dentists.

The Teeth Cleaning Process

With such an emphasis on preventive care, some patients might wonder exactly how involved a professional teeth cleaning can be. After all, it can be hard to imagine how a professional cleaning could be much different from brushing and flossing at home. However, to help ensure every patient is getting the thorough oral health care they need, this treatment comes in phases.

Phase One: The Exam

Before the actual teeth cleaning can begin, our dentists or dental hygienists will perform a physical examination of your teeth. Most patients associate this process with the tiny, circular mirror used to check the harder-to-see areas of the teeth.

This exam helps to determine whether there is any serious inflammation of the gums or symptoms that may be cause for a more immediate dental concern. When both your mouth’s hard tissue (teeth and hard palate) and soft tissue (gums, tongue and cheeks) have passed the examination, we move onto the next step.

Phase Two: Removal of Plaque and Tartar

For many, this is considered the beginning of the actual cleaning itself. Your hygienist will first use a tool called a dental explorer to measure the amount of plaque and tartar that has built up along your gumline or between your teeth. They also might press against a tooth itself to make sure there is no oversensitivity that can cause you discomfort.

Once your dentist or hygienist has finished with this step, they will begin to remove any plaque or tartar buildup under the gumline, as these are major contributors to cavities and gum disease.

Phase Three: Brush, Floss and Rinse

With the plaque and tartar out of the way and no concerns of oversensitivity, the real cleaning can begin. We will apply professional-grade toothpaste that contains higher levels of abrasiveness than commercial brands (often described by patients as “gritty”), then clean your teeth via a powerful electric toothbrush.

This abrasive toothpaste creates a polishing effect for your teeth, bringing out their natural beauty. This is followed by a professional flossing, which allows your gums to receive the same level of professional attention and cleanliness. This phase is completed when you are instructed to rinse with water.

Phase Four: Fluoride Treatment

Naturally, we want to keep your teeth feeling and looking their finest, which is why the last stage of this process is applying a fluoride treatment.

When this natural mineral is applied to your teeth, it will help support healthier tooth enamel that helps defend against cavities and fights bacteria that can cause gum disease and plaque buildup. Your fluoride treatment will be the gleaming finish to keep your teeth as strong as possible between dental visits.

Protect Your Smile by Contacting Us Today

Preventive treatments are the greatest resource you have to keep your teeth sparkling while warding off any oral health care issues. At Smiles Family Dental, you can rest assured our talented dental team will provide you with the comprehensive teeth cleaning you deserve.

Schedule your consultation today and protect your smile!