What to Expect at a Dental Cleaning Checkup

You probably know that it’s best practice to have a dental cleaning checkup every 6 months. But the dentist isn’t always somewhere you’re dying to visit. However, dental cleaning checkups are important.

Today, we’re sharing what to expect at a dental cleaning checkup:

• A deep clean. Either a dental hygienist or your dentist will use professional cleaning tools to give your mouth a deep clean. Although it’s extremely important to brush and floss your teeth daily at home, the dentist has special tools to remove plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth over the months. After your teeth are cleaned, your dentist or hygienist will likely polish your teeth with a fluoride-based toothpaste. This will promote rebuilding healthy tooth enamel that gets worn away over time.
• Cavity checks. While your hygienist or dentist cleans your teeth, they will scan your teeth and gums to document any potential tooth or gum problems. You will probably be asked about your recent medical history and if you’ve experienced any pain or started taking any medications. Knowing this is important for your dentist to accurately assess your oral health. While cleaning your teeth and examining your mouth, your dentist will also check for cavities that are present. He or she will also suggest proper next-step procedures or preventative measures to take care of them.
• X-rays. Although x-rays aren’t taken at every dental cleaning checkup, it’s safe to assume that at least every other checkup you’ll need to have dental x-rays taken of your teeth. X-rays are important to examine for the presence of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems. If you need x-rays taken, you’ll likely have to clench film in your mouth and bare your teeth. This helps the dentist get the accurate pictures he or she needs.

Every dental cleaning checkup looks a little different. But these three things are what you can generally expect a dental cleaning checkup to look like! Remember, all of these measures are taken to ensure your teeth and oral health are in the best possible condition.

If it’s time for you to schedule a checkup or you have other questions about your oral health, contact Hillcrest Dental at 931-240-5721! We’d be more than happy to take care of you and your smile.