FAQs About Dental Cleanings in Silver Spring, MD

Why do I need two cleanings a year?

Dental cleaning in Silver Springs, MD, gives the dental hygienist the chance to remove plaque, bacteria and tartar. These can build up on teeth quickly. When you come in every six months, the hygienist can remove the buildup before it starts the process of tooth decay and gum disease.

Why did the hygienist say I need to come in more often than twice a year?

If the dentist and hygienist determine that you have the beginnings of gum disease, you may need to come in more often. This also lets the dentist check to see if the problem is getting better or not.

My teeth feel clean. I brush and floss. I probably don’t need a cleaning.

Well, actually you do. Though your teeth feel smooth and clean when you run your tongue over them, or touch them with your fingers, they still harbor bacteria and plaque. This sticky stuff is devious.

It builds up in cracks, at the gum line and between teeth. Before you are even aware there is a problem, you can have the first signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Even small amounts of plaque can cause major problems.

When you have a regular dental cleaning in Silver Springs, MD, you get rid of the plaque. The hygienist has the tools and the training to spot it, wherever it lurks in your mouth.

Are there other benefits to getting my teeth cleaned?

Researchers have proved that bacteria from the mouth can travel throughout the body. It is associated with heart disease, stroke and premature birth. That’s why a dental cleaning in Silver Springs, MD, is so important and should be part of your general health routine.

What happens during a cleaning?

The dental hygienist removes the plaque and tartar, as well as other types of debris, by scraping it away with special instruments. She then polishes your teeth so your smile is bright.

The hygienist can answer any questions you have about brushing and flossing. She is an excellent source of information about how to do it and the best brushes and flossers for your mouth.

Is regular cleaning the same as deep cleaning?

Deep cleaning is used when a person is at risk of gum disease. It gets rid of bacteria in pockets around the gums and between your teeth.

For most patients, a regular cleaning is all that is needed. Your dentist will let you know if you need a deep cleaning.

Why do my gums bleed after a cleaning?

If there is a great deal of bacteria in your mouth, it irritates your gums. They are sensitive and more likely to bleed. During the dental cleaning in Silver Springs, MD, the hygienist uses instruments on your teeth and gums, which can cause them to bleed slightly. After your cleaning, this type of sensitivity in your gums usually goes away after a day or two.