Deep Teeth Cleaning in Benton, Kentucky

A lasting, beautiful smile is a healthy smile, and maintaining a healthy smile means staying on top of regular dental visits and deep cleaning sessions. Hall Family Dental provides oral prophylaxis and deep teeth cleaning for Benton, Kentucky patients. 

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What is a Deep Cleaning?

When you hear someone mention the term "deep cleaning" in dentistry, what they are referring to are root planing and tooth scaling, but it can also include other oral prophylaxis practices such as interproximal cleaning and tooth polishing. A deep cleaning goes beyond what is offered with a standard checkup and cleaning. After your deep cleaning session, your teeth will be noticeably healthier and cleaner.

Give Your Smile A Deep Clean

When was the last time you gave your smile a deep clean? The team at Hall Family Dental can help improve the health and appearance of your smile through regular dental cleanings. e'll work with you to make sure your smile not only looks its best, but remains healthy year after year. 

What is Dental Scaling?

Root planing is a technique that is used when a patient has detachment and gaps between the gums and the teeth. When plaque becomes trapped in these areas, it cannot be eliminated with regular brushing and flossing. And, if left untreated, the the accumulated plaque and tartar can lead to periodontal disease, as well as tooth and bone loss. Root planing goes below the gum line to scrape away tartar buildup and smooth the surface of the tooth to encourage reattachment. 

What is Root Planing?

Even if you brush and floss as directed by your dentist, it can be difficult to reach every spot. Plaque can turn into rock-hard tartar in as little as 48 hours. Since tartar cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing, specialized dental tools such as dental scalers and curettes are used to scrape away tartar build-up. 

5 Tips to Maintaining Optimal Oral Health at Home

Preventing dental issues before they can become unpleasant, expensive, and time-consuming problems begins with a sustainable oral hygiene routine at home. Here are a few tips that can help you stay on top of your oral health. 

  1. ‍Brush twice a day, two minutes at a time. A majority of dental issues start with plaque and tartar. By brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, you can help to reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Your toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle so it it effectively brushes the gum line. 

    Electric toothbrushes are also helpful. A recent cohort study found that those who brushed with an electric toothbrush over the 11-year span of the study had fewer cavities and instances of periodontitis and other diseases when compared to the control group. Fluoride toothpastes are highly recommended. Try to stay away from charcoal-containing and gritty toothpastes as these can wear away tooth enamel. 
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  2. ‍Floss every day. You should floss at least once a day, preferably before bed. According to U.S. News & World Report, 70% of those surveyed stated they do not floss daily. If you don't floss, you are missing the areas most prone to decay: below the gum line and in between teeth. If you find that traditional floss is cumbersome to use, you can also try a water flosser, which is nearly effective. Interdental brushes are another alternative to traditional floss that might be worth trying. 

    It's worth noting that if you are new to flossing, you might experience some bleeding from the gums. This is completely normal. Most likely, you already have some gingivitis present which causes the gums to become inflamed and sensitive. If this is the case you should give your gums a 48-hour rest between flossing until you feel comfortable flossing every day.
     
  3. ‍Don't use mouthwashes unless recommended by a dentist. We know that mouthwash advertising makes it seem like using mouthwash every day is recommended, but that's not quite true. The issue with mouthwashes is that while they do kill harmful bacteria, they also kill helpful bacteria. Mouthwashes also alter the pH of the mouth which can actually cause plaque and tartar buildup. If your dentist believes a mouthwash would be beneficial they will most likely recommend a prescription-grade mouthwash. 
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  4. ‍Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Did you know that it's not actually the sugar that's bad for your teeth? It's actually the bacteria that consume starches and sugars and expel waste onto the teeth that is so harmful to teeth.
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  5. ‍Consider a mouthguard or night guard. If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about ordering a custom-fitted night guard to protect your teeth.