Cleanings and Dental Hygiene in Flagstaff AZ

Are you curious or a bit anxious about your upcoming dental cleaning in Flagstaff AZ? At Mountain West Family Dental we understand that dental cleanings might not be everyone’s favorite activity, but we’re here to make the experience smooth, comfortable, and stress-free. With our skilled team and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll leave with a healthier, fresher smile and maybe even look forward to your next visit!

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Importance of Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene involves keeping the mouth clean and free of disease and is considered the best method of preventing dental complications such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. More and more studies are showing that clean teeth and gums also contribute to overall health.

To maintain the proper health of the teeth and mouth, dental hygiene is very important. Healthy teeth have less plaque and tartar accumulations and fewer cavities. Effective oral hygiene comprises both your daily, personal homecare habits in combination with professional care.

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Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?

Though you may be following the best oral hygiene routine at home, it does not guarantee that your mouth is completely free of germs and tartar. The effects of home brushing, flossing and rinsing of your mouth are necessary but can be limited. These at-home methods cannot achieve the same results as a trained dental hygienist.

A routine dental cleaning includes performing a scaling procedure on the teeth to remove any plaque and tartar from the teeth that brushes and floss cannot reach or cannot remove effectively. The scaling process entails using ultrasonic and hand scalers to ensure proper cleaning. Then dental polishing is performed to remove remaining plaque and stains on the teeth.

During the cleaning procedure, you will be given home care instructions on protecting your teeth from infection and gum disease. Periodontitis and gingivitis can be prevented by regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and healthy eating habits.

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Step-by-Step Guide to a Professional Dental Cleaning in Flagstaff AZ

To ease any worries you may have, here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during a dental cleaning at Mountain West Family Dental.

1. Initial Oral Exam

Every cleaning session starts with a comprehensive exam by our skilled hygienist. Using a small mirror, they check for any signs of inflamed gums, cavities, or other concerns that may need additional attention. If we spot anything unusual, your dentist may perform a quick follow-up before we proceed.

2. Removing Plaque and Tartar

Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, especially around the gumline and between teeth. Our hygienist uses a specialized scaler to gently remove these deposits. You might hear some scraping sounds—don’t worry, that’s completely normal! The more frequently you brush and floss, the less plaque and tartar will build up, making this part of the cleaning even quicker.

3. Deep Cleaning with Gritty Toothpaste

After the tartar is gone, we use a high-powered electric toothbrush with slightly gritty toothpaste to polish your teeth. This gentle abrasion helps remove any remaining surface stains, leaving your smile even brighter. This toothpaste is safe and designed specifically for use during professional cleanings.

4. Expert Flossing

Even if you’re a diligent flosser, nothing beats professional flossing. We’re able to reach those tricky spots between your teeth, removing any hidden plaque or leftover debris from earlier steps. This thorough approach helps keep your gums healthy and prevents further plaque buildup.

5. Refreshing Rinse

Next, we’ll have you rinse with a special solution to wash away any loosened particles. Our rinse often contains fluoride to provide added protection against cavities.

6. Fluoride Treatment

The final step is a fluoride treatment, which acts as a protective layer over your teeth to help fight off cavities for months. You can choose from a variety of flavors, making this part not only beneficial but enjoyable, too. We apply fluoride in either a foamy gel or varnish form, both effective in keeping your enamel strong.

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Additional Services Offered During Dental Cleanings

We tailor each visit based on what our team observes. Sometimes, we may recommend additional services for preventive care, especially for younger patients or individuals with a higher risk of cavities.

Common Additional Services:

• Dental Sealants: Ideal for children and teens, sealants are applied to molars to prevent decay in hard-to-brush areas.
• X-rays: Done annually, X-rays allow us to spot issues below the surface, such as impacted teeth or hidden decay.

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How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

For most patients, we recommend scheduling a cleaning every six months. However, if you’re dealing with specific dental health challenges, like gum disease, we may suggest more frequent visits. Our goal is to personalize your care plan to keep your smile in top shape all year long.

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The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

A good professional cleaning will help to get rid of plaque from your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities and tooth loss. The plaque and cavities come hand-in-hand. If left untreated, plaque accumulation will become the home to bacteria that release acids which cause dental cavities and gum disease. Dental cleanings will help to reduce or even remove staining on your teeth. A good cleaning will make your teeth look brighter and sometimes even whiter.

Beyond the visible benefits of a brighter, cleaner smile, dental cleanings help in numerous other ways. Here’s how routine cleanings can support your overall health:

• Prevention of Gum Disease: Removing plaque and tartar reduces the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
• Cavity Prevention: Early removal of plaque prevents it from hardening into tartar, the primary culprit behind cavities
• Early Detection of Issues: Cleanings give us a chance to catch problems while they’re small and easily treatable.
• Fresh Breath: Consistent removal of bacteria reduces bad breath, leaving you feeling fresh and confident.
• Reduced Risk of Systemic Health Issues: Poor oral health has been linked to other health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular cleanings play a preventive role by helping maintain a healthy mouth.

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How to Prepare for Your Dental Cleaning Appointment

While there’s no special prep required, a few steps can help maximize the benefits of your cleaning. Try brushing and flossing right before your visit to give us a clear view of any areas that may need extra attention. If you’re experiencing any pain or sensitivity, let us know so we can tailor the cleaning process to your comfort.

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Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning with Mountain West Family Dental in Flagstaff AZ

Ready for a fresher smile? We’re here to make each visit comfortable, informative, and effective. Whether it’s your first cleaning or part of your routine, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal dental health. Call us at (928) 774-4412 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists!