man smiling with arms crossed, teeth cleaning baytown txDuring your teeth cleaning in Baytown, Texas, our dentists will thoroughly clean your teeth and provide guidance to keep your teeth healthy.

Dental cleaning appointments are a standard part of a healthy dental care regimen. Not only do these appointments allow you to have the plaque removed from your teeth, but they give your dentist a chance to make sure you don’t have any underlying dental problems. During your teeth cleaning and dental exam, we will let you know if you need to address any dental issues or need additional dental services, including:

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

One of our thorough hygienists will perform your teeth cleaning every six months. Your hygienist will remove tartar, a hardened form of plaque that has become attached to the tooth. Also known as calculus, tartar can form above and below the gum line. Your hygienist will use special tools to perform this portion of the cleaning.

Your cleaning will also include plaque removal. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth and consists of a colony of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that cause inflammation in the gums. This type of gum inflammation is the start of periodontal disease. After removing tartar and potentially troublesome plaque, your hygienist will polish your teeth to remove stains and any remaining plaque.

Do You Need Fluoride With Your Teeth Cleaning?

During your general dentistry teeth cleaning and dental exams, your dentist may offer you a fluoride treatment to protect your smile. While the mineral fluoride is present in most foods and water, some people do not receive enough to effectively support their teeth. Fluoride is beneficial in preventing tooth decay. Your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment for one or more of the following reasons:

  • Recent history of tooth decay
  • Fair or poor dental hygiene habits
  • Exposed or sensitive roots
  • Deep fissures or pits in chewing surfaces
  • High sugar or high carbohydrate diet
  • Inadequate saliva production

How Fluoride Treatments Complement Teeth Cleaning

Your dentist or hygienist may apply fluoride topically to strengthen your teeth. Available in liquid and gel formations, topical fluoride seeps into the outer surface of the tooth enamel and makes the tooth more resistant to decay. Our dentists recommend parents bring their children into a pediatric dentistry for a fluoride treatment twice a year during routine dental cleaning visits. In between regularly scheduled appointments, you can continue to give your teeth topical fluoride by using fluoride toothpaste. While fluoride treatments give your teeth extra help, the best way to prevent decay is to follow a healthy hygiene regimen.

Preparing for Your Teeth Cleaning

Some people experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. We understand some of our patients may have had unpleasant dental experiences in the past. Our seasoned, compassionate staff will prioritize your comfort during your visit. We will address all your concerns by communicating openly and answering all your questions. Our goal is to help you understand how to keep your teeth healthy and equip you to make wise, informed decisions should the need arise for a dental procedure. If you struggle with extreme anxiety during dental visits, we also offer the option of sedative dentistry to help you relax. Nevertheless, dental cleanings are painless for most people. Viewing your cleaning visit as simple, routine maintenance for your teeth may help you feel less anxious.

Contact Lovett Dental Baytown

Lovett Dental Baytown is a trusted provider of high-quality dental services. If this is your first teeth cleaning, we will help you feel more at ease by thoroughly explaining each step in the cleaning process. We will also equip you with the knowledge you need to care for your teeth in-between visits. Contact Lovett Dental Baytown online or call us at 281-838-8400.