Preventing gum disease is important for your health. When you need professional cleaning, visit your North Augusta, SC, dentist. Dr. Michael Hall of Hall Family Dentistry concentrates on giving his patients the tools they need to prevent gum disease.
ADA Recommendation
According to the ADA, the frequency of dental visits should be determined by your dentist, taking into consideration your risk factors. The number of visits to prevent periodontal disease is different from individual to individual. With low risk, two visits a year are recommended, with high risk, three or four is a better option.
Who Provides Professional Dental Cleaning
Your dentist provides professional dental cleaning, or they may opt to provide the cleaning themselves. It takes between half an hour and 45 minutes to get a professional cleaning, and it is usually followed up by a dental exam.
Professional cleaning
Professional dental cleaning comes in two types. For most people, it is the cleaning you get at your dentist's office twice yearly. It removes the plaque and tartar above the gum line that has attached itself to your teeth. Your teeth are then polished with special toothpaste, so they look their best. The final step may be a fluoride rinse, especially if you live in an area without fluoride in the drinking water. This cleaning is the choice to keep gum disease at bay.
Deep Cleaning
If your dentist notices that you have signs of gum disease, they may recommend a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning goes under your gums to remove plaque and tartar which is irritating your gums. When gums are irritated, pockets form and this is an opening for problems to arise. This process is called scaling and planing. Your gums are numbed and then your dentist in North Augusta, SC removes the plaque and tartar. The roots are then planed so that the gums can reattach themselves to the teeth. Getting rid of pockets is the end goal.
Home Care Followup
Oral care in the home is important. Professional cleaning makes your teeth clean and bright, but it is important that you continue to do the recommended cleaning at home. Brushing and flossing are imperative. Two minutes of brushing with an ADA-approved toothbrush, twice daily, is the recommendation.
When you need a dentist in North Augusta, SC, Dr. Hall at Hall Family Dentistry is accepting new patients. Give the office a call to set up an appointment for a professional cleaning at (803) 278-2223.