May
We’re all familiar with the importance of home oral care to maintain a healthy smile. When it comes to professional teeth cleaning, however, many people consider it an option rather than a need. The truth is that dental cleanings are just as essential, if not more so, than brushing and flossing at home. Through the following FAQs, Dr. Michelle Janbakhsh from Modern Smile Dental in Gaithersburg, Maryland, explains the role that dental cleanings play in improving oral health.
Professional teeth cleaning is an in-depth cleaning of your gums and teeth to eliminate bacteria, plaque, and tartar build-up that cause cavities and gum disease. Dental cleanings pick up where brushing and flossing leave off to ensure your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy. During your visit, we’ll also check your teeth for signs of decay, damage, or other weaknesses that could cause problems in the future. In addition to protecting your teeth, routine cleanings eliminate surface stains to brighten your smile! Â
Routine cleanings don’t generally cause pain, although you may experience some slight discomfort or soreness if you have sensitive teeth or gums. If plaque and tartar have accumulated under the gum line, and you show signs of gum disease, you may need deep cleaning, an extensive, lengthy procedure that’s often done under local anesthesia.
We recommend scheduling biannual dental visits for checkups and cleanings. After inspecting your teeth and gums and assessing your oral health, we can decide if more frequent dental visits are needed. Â
The two steps of a dental cleaning are scaling your teeth to remove plaque and tartar above and around the gumline, and polishing your teeth. Scaling is done using special tools that reach all the nooks and crannies of your mouth where your toothbrush misses. Polishing your teeth eliminates any leftover germs, leaving your pearly whites smooth and shiny. Once a year, your dentist may take X-rays to check for hidden dental issues.
On average, it may take 30 to 45 minutes to clean your teeth, depending on the state of your smile. If you’ve had irregular cleanings, your appointment may take longer as there will be more plaque and tartar to be removed. Â
Absolutely! Bad breath is often the result of bacterial build-up in your teeth. Good home oral care and routine dental cleanings will keep plaque, tartar, and bacteria at bay to keep your breath smelling fresh and clean. How to avoid bad breath? See your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleaning!
If you live in or near Gaithersburg, MD, you can come to Modern Smile Dental for dental cleanings and all your dental care needs. To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Michelle Janbakhsh at (301) 850-0376.Â
Dr. Michelle Janbakhsh is a board-certified holistic dentist with a background in microbiology and molecular biology. Before earning her dental degree from Howard University, she worked as a research scientist at the NIH and biotech firms. She completed an Advanced General Dentistry residency at the University of Maryland, and advanced training at LVI, IAOMT, and the United States Dental Institute. Specializing in orthodontics, cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry, and Invisalign, she integrates biocompatible materials and holistic principles into patient care as a Lyme Literate Dentist and board-certified naturopath.
Dr. Jan’s dedication has earned her the American Top Dentist Award annually since 2008. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the Holistic Dental Association, and the International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).
Get an appointment today, and we’ll make your smile perfect.
