Dental Cleanings: Answers to 5 Common Questions

Proper oral hygiene involves more than just brushing your teeth twice a day. Daily flossing and routine dental visits are also essential for maintaining a healthy smile. During these regular appointments, your dentist performs exams and professional cleanings to help prevent common oral health problems. Many patients may not realize how important these visits are for protecting their teeth and gums.

Don’t wait—call Michael J. Spitzer, DDS, today to book your next appointment. In the meantime, let’s brush up on some answers to frequently asked questions about exams and cleanings.

Five Common Questions About Dental Cleanings and Exams:

Why are Dental Cleanings and Exams Important?

Dental exams and cleanings play an important role in maintaining oral health. Healthy teeth and gums support everyday functions like smiling, speaking, and chewing. During routine visits, your dentist and hygienist check for common concerns such as tooth decay, gum disease, and signs of oral cancer.

Professional cleanings also remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing may miss. Removing this buildup helps lower the risk of cavities and gum disease.

How Should I Prepare for My Dental Cleanings?

Here are a few things to prepare before your next dental appointment: 

• Maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine between visits and before your appointment.

• Brush before your appointment to remove food particles and leave your mouth feeling fresh before your cleaning.

• Share any concerns about sensitivity, discomfort, or dental anxiety before your cleaning begins. Dr. Spitzer can discuss ways to help you feel more comfortable during your visit, including sedation options if appropriate.

• Let your dental team know about any medications you take or changes in your medical history that could affect your care.

How Often Should Teeth Be Professionally Cleaned?

At Michael J. Spitzer, DDS, we recommend scheduling an oral exam and cleaning every 6 months to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Always discuss your individual needs with your dentists. Dr. Spitzer may recommend more frequently scheduled cleanings if any of the following factors are present: 

• History of gum disease

• High cavity risk

• Poor oral hygiene habits

• Smoking

• Diabetes

Are Dental Cleanings Painful? 

Most routine dental cleanings are not painful, although some patients may experience mild discomfort depending on their oral health. A few factors can make a cleaning feel more sensitive.

Poor Oral Health

If you are lagging behind on your oral hygiene habits, you may experience more sensitivity if you have gum inflammation, tooth decay, or other signs of oral disease. 

Prolonged Time Between Cleanings

If it has been a while (over six months) since your last cleaning, you may feel discomfort from irritated gums as the hygienist cleanses the plaque and tartar buildup. 

How Can You Make a Cleaning More Comfortable?

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment may help reduce discomfort for some patients. Always check with your physician before taking any medication, especially if you have health conditions or questions about what is safe for you.

Let your hygienist know if you have experienced sensitivity during past cleanings. Your dental team may be able to offer comfort measures based on your needs.

Improving your daily brushing and flossing routine can also support healthier gums and make future cleanings more comfortable.

What Is the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

The main difference between regular dental cleaning and deep cleaning is the level of thoroughness. A regular dental cleaning removes surface tartar to maintain oral health and prevent cavities and gum disease, while a deep cleaning is a more in-depth procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth below the gum line. 

A deep cleaning procedure, also known as scaling and root planing, may require multiple visits. Dr. Spitzer will recommend a deep cleaning for patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease. 

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If it is time for your next dental cleaning and exam, the team at Michael J. Spitzer, DDS, is here to help. Contact our Costa Mesa office today to schedule an appointment.