Dental cleanings help to keep your teeth and gums viable and healthy for a lifetime. Cleanings are a general dentistry service that everyone should have done. Patients of all ages should have their teeth cleaned at least once every six months. Routine dental cleaning in our Rogers, AR office can prevent tooth decay and keep gum disease-causing bacteria in check.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Essential?
Professional teeth cleanings are as essential for oral health as daily brushing and flossing. Our hygienist may recommend improving your at-home oral hygiene routine during dental cleanings. They may also recommend an antibacterial rinse to help keep your smile healthy if you have chronic gum disease.
Dr. Heather Adams’ dentist office provides patient-focused dentistry built around the needs and health of your smile. Our dental care team is committed to helping our patients enhance and maintain their oral health through modern, high-quality dentistry. We offer age-appropriate hygiene advice for maintaining oral health between visits.
Does your bad breath hang on past that morning tooth brushing?
Bad breath upon waking is normal. In most cases, brushing and flossing in the morning will restore normal conditions and resolve “morning breath.” However, bad breath that lingers or goes unnoticed may indicate an underlying health issue.
A thorough dental cleaning can remove plaque buildup. When bacteria in your mouth multiply, it causes consistent bad breath. Regular preventive care visits can help maintain optimal oral health and fresh breath.
Patients may also notice lingering bad breath if they have a virus or throat infection. For example, strep throat can often cause a distinct breath odor that will go away after antibiotic treatment. Halitosis can also occur as a result of cigarette smoking. Certain medications cause dry mouth and mouth breathing.
In some situations, consistent bad breath can indicate an underlying general health problem. Gum disease, especially if untreated, can cause bad breath. Gum disease causes the decay of healthy gum tissue and high levels of bacteria in your mouth.
Schedule a preventative dental care visit with Dr. Adams today to stop chronic bad breath. Regular cleanings and preventative treatment can keep your teeth and gums clean and fresh.
Dental Cleaning in Rogers, AR
Our dental hygienists are highly skilled and caring professionals. They provide thorough teeth cleanings with a gentle hand. Our hygienists do all they can to ensure you are comfortable and prepared for dental cleanings. They will discuss your procedure and answer any questions about your oral health.
Using special tools, the hygienist will gently scrape away built-up tartar and plaque from all surfaces of the teeth. They will also floss between each tooth and polish the teeth. Dental cleanings are one of the most effective preventative procedures for maintaining the health of your smile.
Patients of all ages benefit from routine dental cleanings. Beginning at the age of 1, the ADA recommends that patients receive two dental cleanings a year for optimal oral health. Young patients can learn how to care for their smile. Our team can monitor oral development during regular visits. They make any necessary recommendations for early intervention that can support normal speech and oral structure.
X-rays and Examinations
In addition to a dental cleaning, we will take dental X-rays and examine your smile. Our dentists and hygienists will look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer before your cleaning. Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, red gums, and deep gum pockets. If you have tooth decay, you may have spots of discoloration or holes in your teeth.
We also welcome you to discuss your current dental concerns. If you have chronic tooth or gum pain, mouth sores, or sensitivity, please let us know so we can plan treatment. We can see dental problems we cannot see with a visual exam using X-rays. Modern X-rays help us see the teeth, gums, and jaw in detail. Our team can track oral health developments and find emerging dental problems with X-ray images.
Dental Cleaning Frequently asked Questions
Learn more about routine dental cleanings in our Rogers, AR office with answers to these common questions:
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
In most cases, simple teeth cleaning and polishing should not hurt. This is true if you care for your teeth and gums at home. Following an at-home oral hygiene routine that includes daily flossing and brushing will make your teeth cleanings simple and pain-free.
However, if you have not visited the dentist in a while, you may experience discomfort or sore gums after your appointment. This is simply because the hygienist must remove more plaque and tartar buildup than normal. You may also feel pain if you have sensitive teeth. Worn teeth can lead to more sensitive teeth, especially sensitivity to the active ingredients in toothpaste.
How often should my children come in for teeth cleaning?
Children should start coming to see Dr. Adams when their teeth begin to erupt or by age one. They will receive a simple tooth cleaning at their appointments. They should continue to visit our dentist’s office every six months, just like you, for regular teeth cleanings. This is the best way to prevent tooth cavities.
How can I keep my teeth healthy in between my regular teeth cleanings?
Your at-home oral health care routine is essential. Some basic tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy include:
- Using toothpaste with fluoride
- Brushing your teeth at least two times a day
- Flossing at least once daily
Also, these additional steps will help keep your teeth extra clean:
- Using an electric toothbrush
- Avoiding tobacco
- Limiting the amount of sugar you consume
- Eating an overall healthy diet
Why do my teeth hurt after dental cleaning?
Teeth may hurt after a dental cleaning due to temporary gum inflammation or sensitivity. During cleaning, the dentist removes plaque and tartar, which can expose sensitive areas of your teeth. If you have gum disease or significant tartar buildup, your gums might be more tender after cleaning. This discomfort usually fades within a few days. If it continues, contact your dentist for advice.
Does teeth cleaning remove bad breath?
Teeth cleaning can help remove bad breath (halitosis). Professional cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause odors. It also cleans areas that are hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing. Deep dental cleanings also treat gum disease, a common source of bad breath. Maintaining oral hygiene and regular dental exams are key to keeping your breath fresh. If bad breath persists, it might indicate an underlying dental or medical issue. Talk with your dentist.
How long should I wait to eat after dental cleaning?
You can eat right after a professional cleaning. However, it’s best to avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee and tea for at least 30 minutes. This helps maintain the cleanliness and brightness of your teeth after the cleaning. If your hygienist applied fluoride treatment, wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This will allow it to absorb and protect your teeth fully.
Call Our Office For Routine Care
Dr. Adams invites patients of all ages to enjoy the benefits of preventative dentistry with a dental cleaning at our Rogers, AR, dentist’s office. To schedule a routine dental cleaning for you and your family, contact our office at (479) 323-3011. You can also schedule your next appointment using our online form. Please let us know if you have any questions or current dental concerns. We will be glad to help.