Check ups Scale and Cleans
Why Are Check Ups And Scale and Cleans Important?
Regular dental check ups and teeth scale and cleans are important for sustaining the overall health and wellness of your teeth and gums. Along with taking care of your body through proper diet and exercise, it’s also important to maintain your oral health. Ideally, regular dental checkups should be scheduled every six months, and sometimes sooner if your oral health tends to be more problematic. During a routine checkup, the teeth and gums are examined and then cleaned by a dentist.
What Happens During A Check Up & Scale and Clean?
In a routine checkup, your dentist will check your neck, mouth, and tongue for oral diseases such as oral cancer, check for plaque and tartar (calculus) around your gums for gum disease, and then floss, scale and clean, and polish your teeth. Your teeth will also be checked for any decay or cracks. Any necessary treatment will be discussed with you and treatment options and costs presented to you.
What Other Information Is Needed?
Along with the aforementioned procedures, radiographs (or x-rays) of the teeth are also taken once every 2-3 years. Radiographs serve to give the dentist a deep inside view of teeth. Cavities or nerve issues are often identified during the dental checkup and cleaning appointment. Radiographs may be needed more frequently if you are at higher risk of getting decay or gum disease.
What You Need To Do At Home Between Check Ups & Scale and Cleans?
In between dental check ups and scale and cleans, it’s important to do your part at home to maintain the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouthwash to help control troublesome sticky plaque. When brushing your teeth at home, it’s imperative to remove all plaque — a clear, sticky layer of bacteria — from teeth before it hardens and turns into calculus. Once plaque turns into calculus, it can no longer be removed at home. Calculus must be removed with special instruments by the dentist during your cleaning. If left on the teeth, calculus can cause tooth decay, gum infections, and/or tooth loss. Not only will your teeth and gums stay healthy, but your breath will also be fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a check-up and clean?
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. A professional scale and clean is then done to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains, followed by polishing. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and fresh.
How often should I have a dental check-up and clean?
Most patients are advised to visit every six months for a routine check-up and clean. In some cases, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your oral health needs. Regular visits help catch problems early before they become more serious.
Why do I need a professional clean if I brush and floss at home?
Even with good brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed at home. A professional clean removes this build-up safely and thoroughly. It also helps prevent gum disease, decay, and bad breath.
Do dental X-rays form part of a check-up?
X-rays are not always taken at every visit, but they may be recommended every 2–3 years or if needed. They help detect issues that aren’t visible during a normal examination, such as decay between teeth or problems below the gum line. Your dentist will only take them when clinically necessary.
Is a scale and clean painful?
Most people find the procedure comfortable, although you may feel slight sensitivity if there is heavy build-up or gum inflammation. Your dentist will work carefully to keep you comfortable throughout the process. Any discomfort is usually mild and temporary.
What are the benefits of regular cleans?
Regular cleans help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and staining. They also allow early detection of dental problems before they worsen. This helps maintain both oral health and overall wellbeing.
What should I do between dental visits?
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining a healthy diet are key to good oral health. Using mouthwash may also help reduce plaque build-up. Good home care supports the results of your professional cleans.
Can a check-up detect other health issues?
Yes, your dentist also checks the soft tissues in your mouth, including your tongue and gums, for signs of abnormalities. This can include early signs of oral disease or other health concerns. Early detection plays an important role in effective treatment.