For a patient with no serious ongoing dental needs, teeth cleanings are recommended once every six months.   During your regular visit, your dental hygienist will evaluate and identify signs of inflammation and disease and, discuss the findings with you and your dentist. Your Provo Family Dentist and dental hygienist will then work together to identify underlying issues that could compromise your oral health.

A plan for treatment will then be developed based on your dental needs. Keep in mind that every patient is unique with their own specific needs and risk factors for gum disease. As a result, more frequent cleaning and a more intense cleaning regimen may be established for at-home oral hygiene.

During a routine cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline. If plaque and tartar debris are allowed to build up and remain around and below the gumline, it may lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is more advanced than gum disease, or inflammation of the soft tissues.

Periodontal disease is caused by the overgrowth and accumulation of dental plaque, which causes disintegration of the bone around the teeth, forming pockets between your teeth and under your gums. These pockets become infected and will continue to deepen, causing the boney foundation to disintegrate and your teeth to become loose, putting you at risk for tooth loss. General dentistry and a routine of regular visits to Provo, UT Dental Care for cleanings can help prevent periodontitis through the removal of soft plaque and hard calculus (tartar) during a cleaning.

Additionally, a routine dental cleaning will also improve the appearance of your smile by reducing surface staining. Over time, the cumulative staining effect of certain beverages and foods can cause your teeth to become discolored. A regular visit to your hygienist will include polishing of your teeth which will help to reduce the staining.