Dental Cleaning Portland ORThe American Dental Association recommends all patients, regardless of age, to see a dental professional for cleanings and examinations, at least twice a year. While many patients might scoff at the recommendation, it is incredibly important to ensure oral health. When the twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings are paired with diligent brushing and flossing by the patient, their mouth will be well defended against encroaching disease and decay. Both are needed for not only oral cavity health but also the general health of the entire body. Most patients fail to understand the importance of oral health with regard to the body’s overall health. When disease or infection enters the oral cavity, it can be spread through the bloodstream and infect other areas of the body. It can lead to serious complications such as stroke, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Contact Barnes Dental today to schedule your appointment Why Are Cleanings Important?When patients floss and brush their teeth twice a day, the dangerous bacteria found in the oral cavity can be kept at healthy levels. With brushing and flossing, the bacteria is removed from the surfaces of the teeth and gums and stymies the development of both periodontal disease and tooth decay. That is also why professional cleanings are so important. Providing a deep cleanse of the oral cavity, they reach areas flossing and brushing cannot. They remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar from areas both above and below the gums. Using a tooth polish during the cleanings, our staff also helps to brighten the patient’s smile. By maintaining their due diligence, patients dramatically lower the chances of developing gum disease simply by brushing and flossing. Cleaning the gums and teeth is not the only thing that happens during an examination. Our staff also looks for changes in oral pathology. This means they are looking for sores, abscesses, ulcers, and other various tissue anomalies. It is extremely important to identify abnormal tissue growths which can be indicative of various illnesses or diseases, including oral cancer. What Happens During a Cleaning?Taking only 30 to 60 minutes, cleanings do not take long at all. Our office updates patient records after each examination and cleaning to monitor any changes in oral pathology. Our staff uses scalers to scrape away tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the teeth. It is important that this be done not just above the gum line but also below. After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, our staff uses abrasive toothpaste to polish away stains and discolored areas on the tooth enamel. We also evaluate the health of the jawbone by taking x-rays. We can determine if any actions are needed to improve the health of the jawbone. Dental Cleaning SW PortlandThose patients who have questions about the cleanings we provide are welcome to come in to discuss it. Our office is located here in Portland, OR. We are always interested in helping to educate our patients about their oral health. We can also be reached by phone for phone consultations or to schedule appointments. The number to call is (971) 441-5520. |