Dental Cleanings in Las Cruces, NM
Preventative care is a foundation of dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist regularly – usually about twice yearly – for full cleanings, examinations, and consultations for potential treatment. Professional dental cleanings help remove built-up plaque that is not removable using conventional brushing and flossing. Often, dentists are also capable of identifying potential problems that patients are not yet able to see or feel. When you maintain regular preventative dental appointments, you can stave off decay and gum disease, as well as identify the beginnings of oral health problems before they become severe.
Did you know…
that Americans are less and less likely to visit the dentist as they age? Data from the Centers for Disease Control reports that only 57 percent of Americans over age 65 visited the dentist in 2010. That compares to about 61 percent adults under age 65 and about 79 percent of children ages 2 to 17. Nonetheless, it is important to visit the dentist for cleanings and exams regardless of how long has passed since your most recent dental appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Yes, you need to have your teeth cleaned regularly by a dental professional if you want your smile to stay healthy and beautiful. Even if you clean your teeth every day, there are areas of your mouth that can be difficult to reach consistently.
We can clean your teeth thoroughly, including those difficult areas as well as any hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus, that’s built up. Along with cleaning your teeth, we’ll check to make sure you don’t have any cavities or oral health concerns.
Preventing oral diseases is the best course of action, but detecting them before they become series is the second-best situation. If you’re coming in regularly for your appointments, you won’t have to worry about your oral health getting out of hand.
What should I expect at my cleaning and exam consultation?
At your appointment, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned by a hygienist and examined by your dentist. Your teeth will also be polished for extra shine.
If you haven’t been to our office for a while or haven’t had X-rays recently, we may take some as part of your examination. X-rays allow us to see areas of decay and issues that aren’t visible to the eyes.
In the case that your dentist or hygienist detects any potential problems, they’ll recommend treatments.
What types of guidelines should I follow after my visit?
Between dental cleanings, make sure to take care of your teeth every day. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste, and flossing at least once a day.
Fluoride and antibacterial mouthwashes can also help protect your teeth. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities and can be found in mouthwashes and some cities have it in tap water to promote dental health. Antibacterial mouthwashes can help remove bacteria from your mouth and prevent periodontal disease.
If your teeth and mouth require any special care, your dentist will let you know and work with you to develop an oral hygiene routine that works for you.