Your overall well-being depends upon good oral hygiene. You know to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top health with regular dental cleanings. But did you know there are several different types of dental cleanings?
These cleanings, performed by your dental team at Zirker Family Dentistry in Idaho Falls, help prevent dental diseases and maintain oral health. In this blog, we will discuss the most common types of dental cleaning treatments used to achieve your excellent oral hygiene.
1. Prophylaxis, also known as a regular dental cleaning, is the most common type of dental cleaning treatment. It is recommended every six months to maintain oral health for individuals with healthy gums and no signs of gum disease. During this procedure, the dental hygienist or Dr. Zirker will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. The teeth are then polished to remove any surface stains, leaving them clean and smooth.
2. A scaling and root planing cleaning is a more extensive dental treatment performed if you were to develop gum disease, or periodontitis. This treatment is necessary when there is a significant buildup of plaque and tartar below the gumline. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline, while root planing smoothens the root surfaces to prevent further plaque accumulation. This deep cleaning treatment helps in managing gum disease and supporting the gum tissue in healing.
3. Periodontal maintenance is a dental cleaning treatment specifically designed for you if you have a history of gum disease or if you have previously undergone scaling and root planing. It involves regular maintenance visits, usually every three to four months, to prevent the progression of gum disease and maintain oral health. During these visits, the dental team at Zirker Family Dentistry will thoroughly clean your teeth, monitor gum health and assess the effectiveness of the previous treatment.
4. To strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay, Dr. Zirker and your dental team will regularly recommend fluoride treatment. This preventive dental cleaning treatment involves the application of fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth, which re-mineralizes the enamel and prevents acid attacks from plaque and bacteria. Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for your children, if you have a high risk of cavities or if you or anyone in your family has sensitive teeth.
5. To protect your back teeth (molars and premolars) from decay, Dr. Zirker and your dental tam may recommend dental sealants, another preventive dental cleaning treatment. A thin plastic coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, sealing the deep grooves and pits where bacteria and food particles can easily accumulate. Dental sealants act as a barrier, reducing the risk of cavities and making your oral hygiene maintenance easier.
Your regular dental cleaning treatments are essential for good oral health and prevention of dental diseases. There are various options available to cater to your family’s different oral health needs over the years. Keep up with oral hygiene at home, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily and following a balanced diet – all of which is equally important for overall oral health.
Would you like to learn about a family dentist specializing in comfortable professional dental cleanings? Contact Zirker Family Dentistry today! Give us a call at (208)-502-8814 or reach us online.