This post from Dr. Steven W. Haywood in Timonium is about professional dental cleanings. You might wonder if you really need one if you already brush and floss at home every day. The answer is that both are critical to maintain dental health.
We encourage patients to practice preventative dentistry by:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Healthy diet – fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
- Regular dental cleanings
- Regular checkups
Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of your daily oral care by removing the plaque and tarter that can accumulate regardless of daily brushing and flossing. When plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed with the special dental tools.
A hygienist will first use a vibrating ultrasonic tool to dislodge the largest pieces of tartar. This process may tickle a bit. The hygienist then uses tools with finer attachments to remove the smaller pieces of tartar. When all plaque and tartar is gone, the final step is polishing.
Let your hygienist know if your teeth are sensitive so he or she can make your cleaning as comfortable as possible. After the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be given to help strengthen your teeth.
Before your hygienist leaves, you may want to ask if there are areas you can improve. Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are presenting a problem, ask about sealants.
At Dr. Steven W. Haywood in Timonium, we care about the dental health of each one of our patients. Services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today.
Contact Dr. Steven W. Haywood:
410-453-9399
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
108 W Timonium Rd Ste 200
Timonium, Maryland
21093
