Your oral health is important, and a big part of maintaining that oral health is regular visits to your dentist for dental exams and cleanings. A dental exam and cleaning can be an opportunity for your dentist to take an in-depth look at your mouth and refresh your smile.
But daily life can get busy, and you may be wondering how long a dental cleaning appointment can take. Let’s look at how long a dental cleaning appointment takes, including what to expect and why they’re important.
What to Expect From Your Dental Cleaning
Before your dental cleaning begins or is scheduled, your dental professional may opt for a comprehensive dental exam to take a detailed look at your mouth and search for anything that can impact your oral health.
During the exam, your dentist will examine for:
- Damaged or decaying teeth
- Signs of Gum disease
- Signs of cavities
- Oral cancer
- Spacing of your teeth and any bite problems (occlusion)
- Inflammation
- Joint issues, TMD, and any potential airway problems
Even if you don’t notice any noticeable signs of oral health issues, it’s essential to visit your dentist regularly. You should schedule a dental exam and cleaning once every 6 months. Additional exams may be scheduled by your dentist, depending on your needs.
A dental cleaning is a powerful tool to help maintain good oral health and prevent issues such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. During the cleaning process, your dental professional will:
- Remove plaque and tartar build-up
- Polish your teeth
- Floss to remove any excess plaque or polishing paste
- Use a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth
- Educate you about at-home dental care
How Long Is Your Dental Cleaning Appointment?
Many people can dread a visit to the dentist for their regular cleaning. However, a dental cleaning appointment is a simple and painless process for most.
Dental cleanings are straightforward, and a typical dental cleaning only takes around 45 to 60 minutes.
A consistent cleaning schedule is crucial and can help maintain your oral health while also detecting potential issues before they become serious. Your dental professional can clean those hard-to-reach areas that you just can’t get to at home.
Building Good Oral Health Habits
Your dental exam and cleaning is another opportunity for your dentist to send you home with some new at-home dental care advice. Dental exams and cleanings allow your dentist to get up close and personal with your teeth. Still, it’s essential to practice good oral health habits at home and do your part.
Brushing and flossing daily is crucial to preserve your smile and keep your mouth fresh. Daily brushing is a vital step in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing removes bacteria that promotes tooth decay and the plaque that leads to gum disease.
Flossing should always be combined with brushing as it removes plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease, so brushing and flossing are essential.
Getting into the habit of daily brushing and flossing and regular trips to your dentist can make all the difference in preserving your smile!
Treating Your Smile to a Professional Cleaning
While good at-home oral health habits such as daily flossing and brushing are essential, nothing can replace the results of a professional dental cleaning from your dentist. It’s important to schedule consistent appointments and look after your oral health at home and at the dentist.
Book an appointment with our dentist in Ottawa to schedule your dental cleaning today to polish up your smile.
