Cleanings & Prevention

The Importance of Dental Cleanings

Regular dental cleaning is essential for your health. People often ask why we need a specialized doctor for our teeth cleaning. Our mouths are very important: our teeth prepare the food we need to eat so that our body can properly digest it. Regular cleanings at the dentist office keep our teeth healthy and help our body by preventing other illnesses.

Before Your Visit:

If it is your first visit to Winter Dental, we will ask if your family has a history of cancer, gum disease, or heart disease. Since a cleaning removes bacteria in the mouth, some procedures may risk entry to the bloodstream. Knowing your family history will allow us to determine if you may need antibiotics or additional precautions. If you have not been to a dentist recently, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

During Your Visit:

Check in with the receptionist. You may have some paperwork to complete. After that, relax until a technician calls you into the room, where the hygienist will explain the procedure. They will clean your teeth and remove any tartar or plaque that has accumulated on your teeth, between them, and along the gum line. If there is too much buildup of this bacteria, your immune system fights back. If the accumulation continues, you may get gum disease that will also weaken your teeth.

Although appointments may differ due to the condition of the teeth, most involve the following:

• X-Rays: If this is your first visit in a year or more, the technician may take X-rays that the dentist will review. X-rays help the dentist diagnose cavities and gum disease.
• General Teeth Cleaning: Your hygienist will scrape the tartar buildup from your teeth, both above and below the gum line. Let them know if you feel any pain so they can inform the dentist. They will floss and polish your teeth. In many cases, they will also give you fluoride as a way of preventing decay.
• Dentist Visit: The hygienist and dentist will talk with you about your teeth. The dentist may take a “pocket reading” to determine where your teeth connect with the gums. A deep pocket allows more bacteria and has a higher probability of gum disease. Be sure to ask any questions you have while the dentist is there.

After Your Visit:
The hygienist or dentist may make recommendations about brushing or flossing. If you have a cavity, please schedule an appointment to have it corrected as soon as possible. Enjoy a diet with lots of vegetables and make sure you get enough vitamins. Finally, if you notice any pain in your teeth or gums, please contact your dentist office as soon as possible.

We encourage patients to learn the benefits of regular dental checkups at Winter Dental in Arvada, CO.