Dental Cleanings
Although you might think of professional dental cleaning as the same as brushing your teeth at home – it’s not. Professional dental cleanings are the key to a healthy mouth. Brushing and flossing at home are effective for removing plaque and bacteria from the mouth but they’re usually not enough. Once plaque sits for so long it can harden into tartar which only your dentist can remove using special instruments. Without removing the tartar, cavities and gum disease can develop.
When you visit our Miami Beach dental office for your cleaning, our dental hygienist will use a dental scraper or ultrasonic tool to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. We will then floss to remove any remaining plaque and debris and then polish your teeth to remove surface stains and give you a smooth, clean feeling mouth. Dr. Escoto or Dr. Mantovani will finish off your dental cleaning by using a special dental instrument to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line.
We encourage our patients to visit us every six months for a dental cleaning. We might recommend a more frequent schedule for patients who experience a higher buildup of plaque and tartar or if they have gum disease.
Dental Exams
After you receive a dental cleaning, you will also have a dental exam. We typically take x-rays only once per year unless any problems pop up. Dental x-rays give us an inside look of what’s going on inside your mouth. We’re able to see your tooth’s structure to look for cavities, impacted teeth, infections, cracked teeth, and more.
In addition to taking x-rays, Dr. Escoto or Dr. Mantovani will also complete a physical inspection of your mouth. They will look at your gums to watch for gum disease such as inflamed, receding or bleeding gums, and also for odd sores in the mouth or any physical signs of damage.
One of the reasons it’s so important not to skip a routine dental exam is because it allows us to catch problems early. When we can catch a cavity when it first develops, it prevents you from needing much more severe dental treatments down the line. Not only will catching problems save you from pain, but it will also save your tooth structure and wallet.
At-Home Oral Hygiene
Just because you visit the dentist twice a year doesn’t mean you should slack on your home hygiene routine. During your dental exam, we will ask you about your home routine. If we notice that you miss areas when you brush or a lack of flossing, we will bring these up so you can improve. We know exactly how well you take care of your teeth at home based on your oral health. If we think you need to make improvements or adjustments to your routine by adding certain products or using a different toothbrush, we will let you know during your exam. As a reminder, make sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once per day. For extra protection, use a fluoride mouthwash!
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning in Miami Beach
Don’t put off your next dental cleaning. Our friendly family dentists in Miami Beach can help you maintain your oral health and prevent cavities and other problems from occurring with regular dental cleanings and exams. Schedule your next cleaning today by calling (305) 535-2225.
