Today’s message from Staten Island Dental Care focuses on professional dental cleanings. You might wonder if your child needs a professional dental cleaning if you already practice dental hygiene daily at home.
The answer is that both processes are critical because they work in tandem to maintain oral health.
Doctor Hecht encourages patients to practice preventative dentistry by:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Healthy diet
- Regular dental cleanings
- Regular checkups
Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of daily oral care by removing the plaque and tartar that can accumulate regardless of daily brushing and flossing. In fact, when plaque hardens, it can only be taken off with special tools used by a hygienist.
A hygienist will first use a vibrating ultrasonic tool to dislodge the largest pieces of tartar. This process may tickle a bit. The hygienist will then use tools with finer attachments to clear away the smaller pieces of calculus. When all plaque and tartar is gone, polishing is the final step in the cleaning process.
The goal is to make your tooth surfaces as smooth as possible, to prevent food particles from lodging in tiny spaces that are difficult to clean. If you are having an exam during the same visit, your technician may take dental X-rays. X-rays can reveal cavities while they are small and can be easily filled.
Let your hygienist know if your child’s teeth are sensitive so he/she can make the cleaning as comfortable as possible. After the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be given to help strengthen teeth.
Before your hygienist leaves, you may want to ask if there are areas your child can improve. Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are presenting a problem, you can communicate with Dr. Hecht about sealants.
If your son or daughter has braces, you may want more frequent dental cleanings because food can easily lodge between the wires.
Call Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht at 347-695-4380 to schedule a professional cleaning today!
CONTACT STATEN ISLAND DENTAL CARE – DR. FREDERICK HECHT:
718-761-5757
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314
