It’s Time to Come Clean With Your Oral Health
Healthy smiles begin at home with regular brushing and flossing. However, regular dental cleanings and exams are also a vital part of preventive dental care for all ages. Dental cleaning is one of the most common, yet the most important procedures dentists perform during a routine visit to keep your teeth free of stuck-on plaque and tartar.
Attending regular cleanings can help keep your teeth healthy while also preventing more serious issues. Dr. Aimee Kraft and our dedicated team provide patients with regular dental cleanings as well as personalized treatment care at our Brooklyn, NYC office.
Why Get Dental Cleanings?
Regular dental cleanings are very simple procedures, yet important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. During a cleaning, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar to prevent long-term issues such as tooth decay, gum diseases, and bad breath. This also gives your dentist the chance to see if there are any underlying issues related to your oral health.
Early treatment intervention is important because it’s often less invasive and more affordable. So, it’s important to see the dentist for regular cleanings at least twice a year to keep your mouth healthy and prevent problems. This way, you can smile and talk with confidence.
The Benefits of Dental Cleanings
Prevention of Overall Health Problems: Oral health is linked to your overall health. From heart disease to diabetes, dental cleanings can help prevent you from developing severe health conditions that can threaten or diminish your quality of life.
Prevention Of Tooth Loss: Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth loss and gum disease. Fortunately, dental cleanings help remove plaque and bacterial build-up from places where a toothbrush and floss can’t reach easily, keeping your teeth healthier and whiter.
Prevention of Periodontal Disease: Dental cleanings break down plaque and tartar that can seep into the gums and cause gingivitis as well as other stages of gum disease.
Prevention of Chronic Halitosis: Poor oral hygiene is a top contributor to bad breath, but regular dental cleanings can help prevent this chronic condition by removing bacteria.
Saves Money In The Long Run: By providing early intervention to other health issues, dental cleanings often prevent more expensive or severe dental health problems down the road.
How Often Should I Get Dental Cleanings?
Dr. Kraft recommends seeing a dentist for a routine cleaning at least twice a year, or every six months. However, the exact frequency may vary depending on your oral health needs. For example, people with gum diseases or high levels of plaque buildup may need to see their dentist more often, while those with excellent oral health may only need to see their dentist once a year. Your dentist will assess your oral health during each visit and recommend a schedule that is right for you. It’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations to keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid future oral health problems.
Dr. Kraft may recommend more frequent dental cleanings in cases including:
Pregnancy: Fluctuating hormones and morning sickness can put expecting patients at greater risk for cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Diabetes: Diabetes can contribute to gum disease and other oral health problems.
Tobacco Use: Using tobacco can lead to gum disease and oral cancer as well as make it more difficult for your body to heal after some dental procedures.
Cancer Treatment: Some cancer medications can dry out the mouth and make you more susceptible to oral health problems.
Visiting Dr. Kraft: What to Expect
Many people experience anxiety before visiting the dentist, but knowing what to expect can help. The process for dental cleanings is simple. First, our team will perform an oral examination and take X-rays if your dentist deems it necessary. Next, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums, including professional flossing.
Once your teeth are clean and clear, it will be time for a check-up from Dr. Kraft. She will perform a thorough examination to make sure there are no signs of disease on your teeth and gums. Dr. Kraft will also advise you on anything you can be doing to better maintain your oral health. This is also the time for you to bring up any concerns or questions you may have about your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cleanings painful?
For most of the procedure, the dental hygienist will be working on the surfaces of your teeth, so pain is unlikely. However, if you have sensitive gums or teeth, you may have some discomfort during the cleaning. If this occurs, Dr. Kraft can use a local or topical anesthetic to prevent discomfort.
How much will a dental cleaning cost?
If you have a dental insurance policy, your cleaning may be partially or fully covered, and you will not need to pay for it yourself. However; if you don’t have dental insurance, you will need to pay for the cleaning out-of-pocket. To find out how much your cleaning will cost, please contact the office for assistance.
Can dental cleanings help prevent gum disease?
Yes, regular dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing harmful bacteria that can contribute to inflammation and infection. Regular dental cleanings also allow your dentist to detect and treat early signs of gum disease, helping to prevent it from becoming more severe. Depending on the severity of your case, your dentist will be able to develop a treatment plan that best restores your smile.
Are dental cleanings safe during pregnancy?
Yes, dental cleanings are considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is important to inform your dentist if you are pregnant so they can take extra precautions and ensure your comfort during the cleaning. They’ll also be able to give you advice on how to care for your oral health during your pregnancy.
How can I prepare for a dental cleaning appointment?
To prepare for a dental cleaning appointment, you should brush and floss your teeth before the appointment. You should also bring a list of any medications you are taking and inform your dentist of any changes to your medical history. During the appointment, you will need to remove any dental appliances or removable orthodontic devices and inform your dentist of any areas of concern or discomfort in your mouth.
Better Smiles With Dental Cleanings in Brooklyn, NYC
Dr. Aimee Kraft is a seasoned dental professional with over ten years of experience in the field. As part of every routine dental exam, she provides dental cleanings for patients of all ages. Our practice is currently accepting both new and returning patients from Brooklyn and the nearby areas of New York City. Dr. Kraft and her team are dedicated to helping you achieve the best oral health and a shining smile. To schedule an appointment with our team, call our Brooklyn office today at (718) 625-6629 or schedule a visit here.