Keeping your teeth and gums healthy starts with a professional dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis.
This routine dental hygiene appointment, commonly called a teeth cleaning, goes beyond at-home care by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Performed by our skilled Registered Dental Hygienists (R.D.H.), regular cleanings are recommended twice a year to maintain a bright, healthy smile.
Other Preventive Services
Why Professional Cleanings Matter
Regular dental cleanings are a proactive way to protect your oral health and prevent costly dental issues. While brushing and flossing at home are vital, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas, preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
Routine cleanings also allow our team to monitor your oral health closely, spotting early signs of potential problems like decay or gum inflammation before they worsen. Beyond maintaining a healthy smile, dental cleanings can support your overall health.
Studies show that oral health is closely connected to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and more. Evidence has demonstrated a connection between periodontal disease and systemic health (Periodontal Disease: Silent but Deadly) and suggests a potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease (Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s). These associations highlight the importance of maintaining regular dental cleanings as part of a proactive approach to overall health.
The Benefits of Regular Cleanings
- Preventing Cavities and Gum Disease: Routine removal of plaque and tartar reduces the risk of tooth decay and periodontal problems.
- Fresher Breath: Professional cleanings help eliminate bacteria and buildup that cause bad breath.
- Brighter Smile: Removing surface stains during cleanings leaves your teeth looking polished and refreshed.
- Early Detection of Issues: Regular visits allow your dentist to spot concerns like cavities or gum inflammation before they worsen.
- Improved Overall Health: Maintaining good oral hygiene is linked to lower risks of systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Protecting Your Wallet: Regular dental cleanings reduce the likelihood of costly restorative treatments by addressing issues early.
What Happens During Your Appointment
Your cleaning appointment is designed to ensure a complete and comfortable experience, leaving your teeth and gums in their healthiest state. This includes checking for signs of gum disease, cavities, or other potential issues. Our team also performs routine oral cancer screenings to ensure any concerns are caught early.
Here’s what you can expect during your dental cleaning visit:
Digital X-rays
X-rays provide a detailed look at your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. These images help us see what’s happening and create a personalized care plan for you.
Digital ‘bite-wing’ x-rays may be taken to display upper and lower back teeth and how they touch. They are used to check for decay between the teeth and to check for bone loss.
A ‘panoramic’ x-ray shows the jaw, teeth, sinuses, nasal area and tempomandibular bone. They are not used to detect cavities, but will reveal any impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, tumors, infections and fractures. The dentist will review all radiographs that have been taken during your cleaning appointment. You can learn more about why dental x-rays are important and read Dr. Lake’s ‘x-rayted’ conversation for even more information.
Gum Probing and Oral Cancer Screening
Once a year, your hygienist will complete a gentle probing of the gums to ensure that they are maintaining a healthy level (ideally, 3mm). Our team also performs routine oral cancer screenings to ensure any concerns are caught early..
Plaque and Tartar Removal:
The hygienist will carefully remove plaque, tartar, and staining that build up on the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. This step is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Using advanced tools, our hygienists carefully remove the buildup of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. This essential step prevents gum inflammation and other dental issues.
Advanced Cleaning with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT):
If applicable, Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) may be used during your cleaning. This includes highlighting biofilm with a purple disclosing gel and gently removing it with air, water, and a fine erythritol powder.
Polishing & Fluoride Treatment (if needed):
For some patients, additional polishing or protection such as fluoride treatment or sealants may be added into the routine checkup.
Why Choose Drews
- Experienced Professionals: Our hygienists and dentists are highly skilled, friendly, and focused on what’s best for you.
- Modern Technology: From digital X-rays to Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), we use state-of-the-art tools to keep things gentle, effective, and precise.
- Your Comfort Comes First: We get it, dental visits aren’t everyone’s favorite. Our team takes the time to answer questions, ease anxiety, and help you feel totally at ease.
Ready for a cleaning? Give us a call at (207) 782-5308 — Whether you’re due for a routine visit or it’s been a while, we’re happy to get you back on track — no judgment, just friendly care.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the best investments you can make in your overall health.
Ready to Refresh Your Smile?