It’s Time To Come Clean
Healthy smiles begin at home with regular brushing and flossing. However, regular dental cleanings and exams are also a vital part of preventive dental care. Dental cleaning is one of the most common, yet the most important procedures dentists perform during a routine dental exam. These cleanings free your teeth of stuck-on plaque and tartar that at-home methods can’t remove.
Attending regular cleanings can help keep your teeth healthy and sparkling. Dr. Aimee Kraft provides her patients with regular dental cleanings as well as expert care and treatments at our Brooklyn, NYC office.
Why Get Dental Cleanings?
Cavity prevention is just the beginning of the benefits of receiving regular dental cleanings. A few of the top benefits include:
- Prevention of Overall Health Problems– Oral health is linked to overall health. From heart disease to diabetes, dental cleanings can help prevent you from developing severe health conditions.
- Prevention Of Tooth Loss– Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth loss and gum diseases. Dental cleanings help remove plaque and bacterial build-up from places where a toothbrush and floss can’t easily reach.
- Prevention of Periodontal Disease– Dental cleanings break down plaque and tartar that can seep into the gums and cause gingivitis and other stages of gum disease.
- Prevention of Chronic Halitosis– Poor oral hygiene is a top contributor to bad breath, but regular dental cleanings can help you prevent it.
- Saves Money In The Long Run– By providing early intervention to other health issues, dental cleanings often prevent more expensive or severe dental health problems down the road.
How often should I get dental cleanings?
The standard recommendation for dental visits is biannually, or every six months. Most dental insurance plans will cover two annual visits. Dr. Kraft may recommend a dental cleaning more often under special circumstances, such as:
- Pregnancy: Fluctuating hormones and morning sickness can put expectant patients at greater risk for cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can contribute to gum disease and other oral health problems.
- Tobacco Use: Using tobacco can lead to gum disease and make it more difficult for your body to heal after some dental procedures. Tobacco use can also lead to oral cancers.
- Cancer Treatment: Some cancer medications can dry out the mouth and make you more susceptible to oral health problems.
What can you expect at your appointment?
Many people experience anxiety before visiting the dentist, but knowing what to expect can help. The process for dental cleanings is simple. First, our team will perform an oral examination and take X-rays if your dentist deems it necessary. Next, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums, including professional flossing.
Once your teeth are clean and clear, it will be time for a check-up from Dr. Kraft. She will perform a thorough examination to make sure there are no signs of disease on your teeth and gums. Dr. Kraft will also advise you on anything you can be doing to better maintain your oral health. This is also the time for you to bring up any concerns for your oral health that you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cleanings painful?
For most of the procedure, the dental hygienist will be working on the surfaces of your teeth, so pain is unlikely. However, if you have sensitive gums or teeth, you may have some discomfort during the cleaning. If this occurs, Dr. Kraft can use a local or topical anesthetic to prevent discomfort.
How much will a dental cleaning cost?
If you have a dental insurance policy, your cleaning may be partially or fully covered, and you will not need to pay for it yourself. However; if you don’t have dental insurance, you will need to pay for the cleaning out-of-pocket. To find out how much your cleaning will cost, please contact the office for assistance.
Better Smiles With Dental Cleanings in Brooklyn, NYC
Dr. Aimee Kraft has over a decade of experience in her field and offers dental cleanings to patients of all ages as part of every routine dental exam. We’re accepting new and returning patients from Brooklyn and the surrounding New York City area. Dr. Kraft and our team are prepared to help your smile be the healthiest it can be. To schedule an appointment with our team, call our Brooklyn office today at (718) 625-6629 or schedule a visit here.