Holland, MI

Dental Cleanings

Just like annual physicals are essential to your health and well-being, regular preventive dental cleanings are critical to your smile's long-term health. They significantly lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and a host of dental problems, leaving you with a clean and healthy smile. Dr. Krampe and his team at Shoreline Smiles invite you to schedule your dental cleaning today!

Holland, MI

Dental Cleanings

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

Regular brushing and flossing boost your oral health by removing plaque, bacteria, and food debris that cause tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. However, cleaning the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and at the back of your mouth is not always feasible. Plaque left sitting on your tooth surfaces hardens to tartar, which can only be removed using professional dental cleaning tools.

Regular teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line. Doing so prevents cavities and gum disease, the two primary causes of tooth loss in adults. They also help freshen your breath and remove most surface stains that dull and discolor your teeth, leaving you with a fresher, brighter, and whiter smile.

During your dental cleaning, we will screen for signs of tooth decay, periodontal disease, damaged dental work, oral cancer, and other oral health concerns. Identifying dental problems early on increases the chances of successful treatment and avoids the need for costly and invasive procedures down the road.

Routine dental exams boost your gum health, which not only impacts your smile but also helps enhance your overall health. Studies show a strong link between gum disease and many health problems, like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and more.

How Often Should You Schedule Dental Cleanings?

The frequency of dental visits will depend on your unique needs. In general, people with healthy teeth and gums require dental cleaning appointments twice a year. However, people with periodontal disease or other oral health risk factors may need to schedule more frequent dental visits.

What Can You Expect During Your Routine Dental Cleaning?

During your routine cleaning, our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line using a dental instrument called a scaler. At Shoreline Smiles, we use an ultrasonic scaler to gently blast away plaque, tartar, and surface tooth stains. After cleaning your teeth, we may apply fluoride varnish to your tooth surfaces to strengthen your tooth enamel and lower the risk of cavities.

Maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home coupled with routine dental visits will lower your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and a host of dental problems. If, however, we identify signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning, a procedure known as scaling and root planing.