Dental cleaning is the foundation for preventative dentistry. The best way to avoid dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and other dental emergencies is to just prevent them. A disciplined, at-home oral hygiene routine, plus visits to see your dentist for regular check-ups and dental cleanings every 6 months is an unbeatable combination in prevention.
Our detail conscious team at DC Dental Spa are proficient with the deliberate checkups and professional cleaning protocol. Our advanced technology in the clinic and the friendly atmosphere will help us evaluate any problems we might diagnose. Call 202-333-9282 for an initial consultation and let us help begin a preventive oral hygiene program that includes dental cleaning that makes your smile glimmer.
What are Regular Dental Cleanings?
Regular dental cleanings usually go hand in hand with a comprehensive oral examination or a scheduled, regular evaluation. Once the initial exam has been completed, unless we have diagnosed a gum disease issue, our dentist or a staff hygienist will perform a regular cleaning, or prophylaxis. If you do have gum disease, we will recommend a deep cleaning first to treat the infected soft tissue and then allow your mouth to heal before we finished our dental cleaning.
During the first stage of your regular dental cleaning, our dental professional will use an ultrasonic scaler or a specific dental hand scaler to remove debris, calculus, and plaque from your enamel, between your teeth and then around your gum line.
When this portion of the cleaning is done, the hygienist will follow up with a polishing procedure that uses a special paste, polishing each tooth one by one. Finally, they will floss your teeth using dental floss, and they will make recommendations or suggestions about proper flossing technique for you to continue at home.
That is all there is to it! Once your cleaning is completed, one of our staff members may follow up with you about any treatment your dentist may have recommended and make any follow up appointments if necessary.
Adults
We recommend that all adults receive teeth cleanings at least twice a year. Good oral health is important regardless of your age. As we all age, our risk for an oral infection continues to increase. The older our teeth get, the more the hard, protective enamel starts to wear away, and it will become easier to get a cavity. The best way to combat this is by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You should always visit DC Dental Spa on a regular basis. We do offer flexible appointment times so that you are able to schedule an appointment around your work or family commitments, making it easier than ever to get a good teeth cleaning and keeping them clean.
Pediatric Dental Cleanings for Children
At DC Dental Spa, we will recommend that parents bring their children in for oral exams and cleanings beginning at 12 months, and then every 6 months after that. Introducing your child early and regularly to the dentist is an important way to establish your child’s confidence and comfort during regular dental visits and create a positive relationship with our dentist and our staff.
Sensitive Teeth
At DC Dental Spa, we practice gentle dentistry and will provide teeth cleanings for you if you have sensitive teeth. Many adults avoid visiting the dentist due to their concerns that their teeth will hurt or feel worse during the exam or subsequent cleaning. When working with our staff, you can feel comfortable regardless of how sensitive your teeth are. We do offer a variety of sedation methods so you can relax and not experience any anxiety or feel any discomfort while getting your dental cleaning and examinations.
It is important to understand the reason that teeth become sensitive. Often, it is due to the enamel on the outside of the teeth wearing away and getting thin. Enamel will wear away due to age, your diet and improper oral health care. While brushing with desensitizing toothpaste may help, you need to continue visiting us to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. Otherwise, the sensitivity will only increase. During your dental exam, let us know about the level of discomfort you are feeling so that we can discuss ways to reduce it by using methods such as a fluoride treatment or sealant.
Continuing Education for your At Home Oral Hygiene
During the teeth cleaning and examination, we will also discuss ways that you can keep your teeth and gums healthy at home. At DC Dental Spa, we believe that good oral hygiene at home is important to do in conjunction with visiting our office. We recommend that you use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth twice a day, two minutes each time, and to use fluoride toothpaste. This will remove harmful sugars and bacteria from your teeth daily and the fluoride will help to strengthen them. You will also benefit from the daily flossing to remove food particles and bacteria from between the teeth. Following up with an antibacterial mouthwash will help to kill any remaining germs.
Your diet is not only important to your overall health, but your oral health as well. Try to drink as much water as possible and eat a balanced diet that contains dairy products, lean protein, green vegetables, and complex carbs so that your body gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. We will provide additional tips and information during examinations and your dental cleanings.
High Quality Care You Can Trust
At DC Dental Spa our downtown office works to accommodate your busy schedule. Our entire staff relishes the gratification in developing strong and lasting relationships with each of our patients. We respect the trust that our patients continue to place in us. We are very deliberate and calculated about exercising preventative overall dental health and delivering the enjoyment that comes with your healthy smile. Visit us today at DC Dental Spa, 730 24th St. NW, Suite 9, Washington, DC, 20037, or call 202-333-9282 for an evaluation and consultation and to address the future of your healthy and bright smile.
