Dental Cleanings Specialist

Northwest Dental and Denture

General Dentists located in Everett, WA & Bellingham, WA

There is good reason that dental cleanings are almost always covered by insurance plans: they work. Regular cleanings and checkups are the best way to avoid cavities and to keep your mouth healthy and strong. Schedule your regular cleaning today by booking an appointment online or calling one of the one of the Washington locations of Northwest Dental in Bellingham, Burlington, Arlington, Everett, or Oak Harbor.

Dental Cleanings Q & A

What happens during a dental cleaning?

First, expect an exam. Your Northwest Dental professional looks at your teeth, visually inspecting them and assessing your gums, looking for any obvious issues. If you need X-rays, they are taken during your regularly-scheduled appointment.

After that, the actual cleaning begins, and the dentist or hygienist will use a small tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. The length of time this process takes depends on how much plaque or tartar buildup you have.

Once the plaque and tartar have been scraped away, the dentist or hygienist uses a high-powered brush and special toothpaste to give you a thorough brushing, followed by a professional flossing.

Lastly, you may be given a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth until your next visit.

How often should I schedule cleanings?

How often your teeth need to be cleaned varies from person to person. Some people who have particular issues may need more frequent cleanings, while others may be able to go with the standard recommendation of twice a year. The American Dental Association recommends discussing your personal dental cleaning needs with your dentist.

Even when the procedure is as simple as a routine dental cleaning, talking to the professionals at Northwest Dental about your unique situation is a critical part of getting outstanding care. Every individual has a particular set of circumstances needs and conditions. The best way to get care for you is not to follow a plan designed for an average person, but rather to follow one developed specifically for you.

Can dental cleanings affect other aspects of health?

Oral health is not separate from overall health. Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and oral health is integral to good health.

The findings of a study published in 2016 suggested that regular dental cleanings could lower the risk of pneumonia. The theory is that dental cleanings reduce the amount of bacteria that reach the lungs.

Heart health, diabetes, and other conditions have also been tied to oral health. Regular dental checkups, cleanings, and perhaps most importantly, conversations with your dentist, are an important part of maintaining good health.

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