Teeth Cleaning Specialist

What should I expect during a dental cleaning?

Dental cleanings begin with a quick exam. Dr. Tema Starkman starts with a visual examination of your teeth and gums, looking for any glaring problems. X-rays will be taken during your regularly-scheduled appointment if required.

Next, it's time for the actual cleaning to begin. The hygienist or Dr. Starkman will use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. A scaler is a small metal dental instrument.

Depending on the level of tartar buildup, this part of the cleaning process may take some time.

After the plaque and tartar have been carefully scraped from your teeth, Dr. Starkman or hygienist uses a high-powered brush and special toothpaste to give you a thorough brushing, followed by a professional flossing. Lastly, you may be given a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth until your next cleaning.

How often should I schedule cleanings?

Your dental cleaning frequency is unique to you. Some people might be able to go with the standard advice of every six months, while other people with specific issues may need more frequent cleanings. The American Dental Association, the nation's leading source of oral health information, advises talking with your dentist about your unique dental cleaning needs.

Even with routine procedures like dental cleanings, consulting with Dr. Starkman at High Line Dentistry about your particular situation is an essential part of getting exceptional care.

Circumstances and situations are different for everyone, especially when it comes to health. The best way to get the right care for you is to follow a program that's tailored to your needs, not an "off-the-shelf" one that's made for the average person.

Can dental cleanings affect other aspects of health?

Oral health is not separate from overall health. Your mouth is almost like a window into your body, making good oral health foundational for maintaining good general health.

There's a chance that regular dental cleanings could lower your risk of pneumonia, suggest the findings of a 2016 study. The hypothesis is that dental cleanings cut down on the volume of bacteria entering the lungs.

Kidney disease, diabetes, heart health, and other conditions have also been linked to oral health. Regular dental cleanings, checkups, and conversations with your dentist are an integral part of maintaining good health.

If you're due for a dental cleaning, call High Line Dentistry or book an appointment online.