Womans Smile

How Often Should I Get a Dental Cleaning and Exam?

Even with the most meticulous oral hygiene practices, dental problems can develop. That’s why it’s important to keep up with your routine exams and cleanings. We, at Dr. Rick Dentistry, are committed to providing exceptional preventive care to patients in Scottsdale, AZ, and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to help you enjoy a clean and healthy smile for a lifetime!

How Often Should You Get Your Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings?

Generally, for people with a healthy mouth, dental professionals agree that a checkup and cleaning should be conducted every six months. In some cases, more frequent cleanings are needed to help prevent or to manage periodontal disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that individuals work closely with their dentists to determine if potential risk factors are present that would warrant more frequent follow-up appointments, ensuring the best preventive care outcomes.

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

During your dental exam, we will examine every aspect of your oral health and will use X-rays to identify any potential problems. We will evaluate your periodontal (gum) health and will perform a tooth-by-tooth examination to ensure your teeth are free of signs of decay, chips, or cracks.

Your exam will include a head and neck examination to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary, and we will check your mouth for any signs of oral cancer or other problems. A bite analysis will help us rule out a bad bite which can result in many conditions including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Once we conclude your examination, we will create an individualized plan for you including any needed treatments and preventive measures. Our goal is to prevent any problems from developing and to treat any existing ones before they progress.

What Does a Dental Cleaning Involve?

Your professional cleaning will begin with our dental hygienist removing any plaque and tartar buildup around your gum line and in between your teeth using a tool called a scaler. After your teeth are entirely tartar-free, our hygienist will brush them using gritty toothpaste and a high-powered electric brush to provide a deep clean and remove any tartar left behind.

Next comes the expert flossing session. Our hygienist will floss deep between your teeth to remove any leftover plaque and to identify any potential trouble areas where you might bleed at the gums. The last step of the cleaning process usually involves a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth and help them fight off cavities.

Caring For Your Teeth at Home

Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day will remove plaque and prevent it from hardening to tartar, which can only be removed at a dentist’s office. Caring for your teeth at home will help you enjoy a healthy mouth and a confident smile!

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Dr. Rick Dentistry to schedule your exam and cleaning today. We are committed to providing quality preventative care to lower your risk of developing dental problems down the road. We are all about helping you enjoy a healthy smile for a lifetime!