TOP 9 QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT DENTAL CLEANINGS

1. How important are dental cleanings?

Regular dental cleanings are very important to maintain good oral hygiene. Even if you brush and floss twice every day, it is still crucial that you visit your hygienist at least twice a year. This will prevent any disease from occurring as well as let your dentist check your overall oral health.  

2. What happens if you never go to the dentist?

If you never go to the dentist, you are neglecting your oral health and hygiene. Not getting checked and cleaned by a professional can lead to some type of oral disease or illness.

3. How often should a person have their teeth cleaned?

According to general guidelines, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year or every six months. In some severe cases, your dentist may recommend coming in every three months instead. You should not put off going to the dentist as it is very important for the health of your teeth and gums.

4. Do dental cleanings and exams hurt?

No, dental cleanings and exams do not hurt. You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort during the cleaning, but you will not feel pain while getting your teeth checked. The exams include many x-rays and a full oral evaluation, and the type of cleaning can vary from patient to patient. 

5. Can teeth cleaning cause sensitivity?

It is normal for a dental cleaning to cause temporary sensitivity in your teeth. This is because plaque buildup and tartar is removed from the gum line which leaves the lower part of the teeth exposed. Most patients experience sensitivity after a cleaning, but it is completely normal.

6. How does a patient keep the teeth clean after an appointment?

After a cleaning appointment, you should continue regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. You should also avoid drinking excessive amounts of soda and eating lots of sugary foods between cleanings. Basically, it is important to maintain daily oral hygiene after getting a proper dental cleaning. 

7. What to do before going to the dentist for a cleaning?

You should properly brush and floss your teeth the morning of your appointment. Make sure not to over do it though!

8. What not to do before going to the dentist for a cleaning?

It is best to avoid drinking caffeinated or carbonated beverages before going to the dentist for your cleaning appointment. If you do drink coffee or soda, make sure to brush your teeth before coming to the dentist.

9. Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

Ideally, you should brush your teeth before breakfast. Overnight, bacteria settles into your mouth, and it is important to wash the bacteria out before consuming any meals. If you do not brush your teeth before breakfast, all that bacteria will get consumed along with your meal. Although many people support brushing after breakfast, it isn’t very ideal and hygienic. To keep your breath fresh, you can always use a mouthwash after eating breakfast.