Teeth Cleaning

Teeth Cleaning in Fairbanks, AK

Professional Teeth Cleaning by Dr. Yamamoto

Teeth cleanings are a regular part of thorough dental care. It is important to have your teeth cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease.

In addition to cleaning, the dentist has the chance to examine your teeth for any changes since your last visit. Problems can be caught early before they do any damage to your teeth or gums.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning

• A brighter smile. Teeth that are yellowed and stained can make you look older and drag your appearance down. Regular appointments keep your teeth healthy and looking their best. A nice smile and white teeth will make you look younger and feel more confident.
• Fresher breath. Halitosis, another name for bad breath, is a sign of gum disease. Food particles become trapped between the teeth, and the resulting infection on the gum line produces bad breath. Regular cleanings will keep your breath fresh, remove plaque, and keep germs and bacteria from accumulating.
• Disease-free gums. Tartar is a calcium buildup below and around the gum line. If not regularly removed through brushing and dental visits, it can create a problem resulting in periodontal disease (another name for gum disease). Brushing and flossing alone can’t get rid of it; it has to be scraped with a dental instrument designed to remove it. It hardens into a substance that is difficult to remove without the proper tools and skills.

You should have a cleaning twice a year to prevent problems with your teeth and gums. If you have gum disease, then you should visit the dentist every three to four months. Persistent treatment is needed to eradicate gum disease.

Come into our office and get a professional cleaning. Dr. Brian Yamamoto is a great dentist, and the office staff is friendly and welcoming. We have two experienced hygienists who are available for cleanings Monday through Thursday to suit your scheduling needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need professional teeth cleaning?

If you brush and floss every day, you probably think that your teeth are really clean, right? Well, the truth is that plaque collects on the teeth and around the gum line in areas that you can’t reach with a toothbrush. Food residue left on the teeth can cause decay, so it is important that you remove as much plaque as possible. Tooth brushing is a good way to combat it, but frequent cleanings by the dentist remove it in those hard to reach areas to prevent tooth decay and tooth loss.

What can I expect at an exam consultation and cleaning?

The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and possibly take x-rays if you haven’t been to a dentist recently. This exam will help him assess the condition of your oral health. He will then discuss any treatments that he feels are necessary, and you can ask any questions you want about your teeth or general dentistry. Following the exam, the dentist or hygienist will remove the plaque and polish your teeth to make sure they are clean and white. At the end of your appointment, the dentist will want to schedule another visit in a few weeks or a few months to follow up on any recommendations.

What should I do between cleanings?

Be sure to maintain good oral habits at home, including daily flossing and brushing after meals. It’s also important to drink fluoridated water and use fluoridated toothpaste.

Continue with your same good habits of brushing and flossing twice daily. The most common times are once in the morning and once in the evening before bed. If you can clean your teeth after your noon meal, do that too.

Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth after eating sweets or drinking sugary sodas. It is best to avoid “sipping” your sugary drinks over a long period and instead have them with your main meal. The repetitive exposure and duration of the exposure to sugar accelerate tooth decay.

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and use a fluoridated mouthwash to keep your breath fresh and keep bacteria and germs from taking up residence in your mouth. A fluoridated mouthwash after cleaning can strengthen weaker decalcified spots on your tooth surface too.

Keep regular visits with your dentist and follow any recommendations.