Dental Cleanings / Dental Hygiene

Dentist Vienna VA

Dental hygienists receive training in order to provide professional dental cleanings to patients. Dentists themselves can also provide cleanings to their patients. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent decay and gum disease.

In a routine cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will remove any plaque on your teeth. You may also receive polishing of your teeth and may receive fluoride treatment. When patient skip their dental cleanings, they often develop dental problems that can be related to health problems.

Skipped dental cleanings can cause plaque build up, which causes decay and gum recession. Plaque and bacteria that forms in the mouth can lead to pain and even tooth loss.

During your cleaning, your hygienist or dentist may also provide you with regular dental examinations. During your exam, your doctor will check for irregular patches on your tongue, cheeks and gums. This process is an oral cancer screening. Your doctor or hygienist may also measure the space between your gums and teeth. This is called a probing. This will help them evaluate the condition of your gums. In the instance that you have gum disease, treatment will be recommended.