The journey to a happier, healthier smile is rooted in professional dental cleanings
No healthy oral care routine would be complete without professional dental cleaning. Happy Smiles understands that many of our patients in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida, may be wondering why this service is so necessary when they brush and floss and otherwise take care of their teeth and gums at home. But, as you’ll see from our answers to some of your common questions about this service, professional cleanings are not your run-of-the-mill oral care – and these distinctions make them vitally important to the function, health, and beauty of your smile.
How are cleanings at your office different from how I clean my teeth at home?
For starters, our patients likely use some sort of toothbrush, floss, and other OTC oral care products like mouthwashes and interdental picks. In our practice, Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti and our team of dental hygienists have access to specialized dental instruments for cleaning teeth, gums, and oral appliances. We also have the training on these instruments and technologies to use them properly, safely, and effectively. These tools and expertise are not something you can buy at the store.
What can these instruments do that my brush can’t?
Notably, our hygienists use tools like scalers to lift stubborn, hardened plaque, called calculus or tartar, from the teeth and at the gumline. This substance is harmful and contributes to the development of tooth decay and gum disease. It cannot be removed with standard brushes, floss, and other products you get at the store. By thoroughly removing plaque, we minimize your risk of developing conditions that can threaten the health of your teeth and are the leading causes of tooth loss. We also can remove surface stains and germs that can make your teeth look yellow or brown and make your mouth feel less-than-fresh.
How often do I need to get a cleaning?
Our offices strive to make it easy and convenient for you to access this essential service. Dr. Ponnaganti combines the cleaning and examination into a single visit scheduled twice a year. While this six-month checkup is standard, it may not be suitable for everyone. This frequency is the minimum needed to maintain oral health and prevent disease and damage. Some individuals may have risk factors that necessitate more frequent cleanings or checkups. These risk factors might include challenges with maintaining good oral hygiene or the presence of certain comorbidities, such as diabetes. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of oral infections, and conversely, oral health issues can complicate blood sugar management for diabetics.
Could you help me improve my brushing and flossing techniques?
We’d love to! During your cleaning appointment, our hygienists will demonstrate effective techniques for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as underneath a dental bridge. We can also provide samples of various products for you to try. Happy Smiles is here to help! You can reach our offices in west-central Florida at (727) 205-2700 for Clearwater and (813) 743-4520 for Tampa.
