Why You Need Biannual Teeth Cleanings

Teeth cleaning, one of the services offered by your Lorain, OH, dentist, Dr. Jennifer Robb, provides a simple way to protect your smile. Scheduling teeth cleaning appointments every six months can help you avoid cavities and even reduce your risk of gum disease.

What happens during teeth cleaning?

During a cleaning, the dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a colorless, bacterial coating that covers your gums and teeth in a sticky coating. When the bacteria comes in contact with sugars in foods, a chemical reaction occurs in your mouth. The reaction creates acids that eat through your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.

If you miss a few spots when you brush or don't floss every day, the plaque left behind will turn into tartar eventually. The hard brown or gray deposit irritates the gums and can't be removed by brushing or flossing your teeth. Luckily, both plaque and tartar can be removed with a scaler, a small, handheld tool your hygienist uses during your cleaning.

Polishing is the final step of your cleaning. The polishing process helps your smile sparkle by removing minor stains.

Will I see my dentist during teeth cleaning appointment?

Every cleaning appointment at the Lorain dental office also includes a checkup from the dentist. During your examination, your dentist will examine your mouth and take a look at your X-rays, if any were taken during your visit. In addition to checking for signs of cavities and gum disease, she'll also look for other issues that could affect your teeth and mouth, such as loose fillings, cracks in teeth, brittle teeth, dying nerves, and loose teeth. She'll also check the condition of bridges, veneers, dentures, and dental implants.

Your visit will also include an oral cancer screening. The signs of this form of cancer are often easy to miss, as they can be subtle. If your dentist does notice anything out of the ordinary, she may take a sample of the suspicious area and send it to a laboratory for testing. Cancer screenings offer a simple way to protect your health and ensure that you receive prompt treatment if you do happen to develop oral cancer.

Are you due for a cleaning? Call your dentist in Lorain, OH, Dr. Jennifer Robb, at (440) 960-1940 to schedule your appointment.