dental cleanings

Preventive dental cleanings are a tried and true method for preventing and treating gum disease. In addition, they preserve optimal tooth health and help patients retain a bright, white smile.

Knowing what to expect before your dental cleaning can help reduce any fears or anxieties. Dr. Cat uses your dental cleaning and exam appointment to spot warning signs in your mouth of gum disease or other issues.

Dental cleanings not only keep your smile white.  But, they work to prevent oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. Moreover, they support optimum physical health, including reducing heart attacks and strokes.  The Academy of General Dentistry recommends that patients receive a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year to safeguard oral health.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning?

The best way to prevent oral health pitfalls is to establish good oral care practices early on.  We do this at Li’l Sunshine Smiles, through excellent education in your appointments with us. First, we show you how you can improve your oral hygiene practices at home. Secondly, we point out areas that need more attention.  And, finally, we answer any questions you may have during the process. 

A typical cleaning appointment takes between 30 minutes to an hour.  Treatment is given while your child is lying down on a dental chair. During your child’s cleaning, our team will offer services to ensure his teeth and gums are and stay at his very best. Typical cleanings include:

  • Medical History Review.  Medical health can change between cleanings.  So, we always begin each appointment by gathering your child’s most recent health history. Certain health conditions (and their associated medications) can impact the health of your child’s teeth and mouth. Alert us to any changes to his health condition. 
  • Teeth Polishing. Using a slow-speed hand-piece, we will clean and polish your child’s teeth.  As a result, your child’s teeth return to their original brightness and smoothness. 
  • Tartar Removal.  Tartar happens. Even with your best efforts to brush daily.  Tartar can’t be removed at home because of its strength. Tartar requires ultrasonic treatments and fine hand tools by a trained dentist or hygienist to be erased.
  • Periodontal Health Evaluation.  Gum disease is looked for in several different ways.  For example, we will measure the depth of your gum pockets, checking for bleeding sites and assessing bone loss. We do this by probling and through digital x-rays and/or observation. Sometimes it is necessary that patients begin an antibiotic for persistent gum infections or bacteria.
  • Occlusion Check. Because teeth move over time it affects how your child’s bite functions. Also, how he chews and ultimately how he swallows.  Dr. Cat will check to see how your child’s teeth are currently fitting together.  Sometimes teeth shifting is severe. If this is the case, and his bite is not functioning correctly, we can refer you to an orthodontist.

Other Things to Expect

  • Oral Cancer Screening. Oral cancer is easily detected when you know what you are looking for.  That is to say, oral cancer can be found more easily than most cancers that are hidden and out of sight.  As a result, conducting an oral cancer screening is a vital part of a dental cleaning. 
  • Oral Hygiene Education.  We will demonstrate and teach the correct way to brush his teeth and floss.  
  • Diet/Nutrition Counseling. Some foods can be detrimental to the health of your child’s teeth.  For instance: sweets, starchy foods, sodas and juices. Because of this, we will also go over current nutrition habits to make sure you are fueling for teeth health.
  • Fluoride Treatments.  Fluoride applications strengthen the enamel of your child’s teeth.  And they may be applied using a foam, gel or a varnish form.

Call to Make a Preventive Dental Cleaning Appointment Today 

Professional dental cleanings are a proactive way to prevent (and treat) gum disease. They also help maintain tooth health and support a bright, white smile.

Learn more about our dental cleanings or schedule an appointment, by calling our Tampa office today at (813) 576-0200.