As your Kelowna dentist, we know that being informed helps you make confident decisions about your oral care needs. That’s why as your Kelowna dental team, Discover Dental is here to answer eight top questions patients ask Dr. Hallett, Dr. Carter, and Dr. Hayward about dental cleanings.
1. Why are dental cleanings necessary?
Plaque and tartar can accumulate, even with diligent oral hygiene at home. And tartar, the hardened form of plaque, can’t be removed by at-home care — cleaning it off requires the skill and tools of a dental professional. Also, regular dental cleanings are a preventative step, helping remove plaque and tartar before it leads to cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems.
For kids, dental cleanings and exams are also an opportunity for us to check in on oral development. With that said, you might be wondering…
2. What’s the best age for a first dentist visit?
According to Stanford Medicine, dental experts recommend a child’s first dental visit happen within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by about 12 months at the latest. With early visits, your dentist can see how infant habits are affecting your child’s oral health and make suggestions if needed.
3. How often should I get a dental check up and cleaning?
For most patients we recommend a dental cleaning every six months, which gives you a plaque-free smile that you can maintain until we see you again. However, if you have a history of oral health conditions like gum disease or frequent cavities, we may recommend more frequent visits.
4. Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Dental cleanings are typically painless. And as mentioned above, our approach at Discover Dental is to put you at ease. We’re all about safe, gentle dental care that’s sensitive to your needs. For patients with serious dental anxiety, we offer safe sedation dentistry to encourage a more relaxed dental experience.
5. How long does a dental cleaning take?
The answer to “How long does a dental cleaning take?” varies from person to person. But on average, dental cleaning takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Each visit depends on factors like:
- the extent of your plaque and tartar buildup
- if you — whether you’re an adult or kid — have dental anxiety
- If you need x-rays (we do quick, painless, and precise digital x-xrays)
If it’s your first appointment with us, we also spend time getting to know you and talk about your medical history or any oral health concerns.
6. What happens during a dental exam and cleaning?
At a dental cleaning and exam, your Discovery Dental team will both clean your teeth and examine them for oral health issues. We’ll thoroughly clean any plaque or tartar, plus polish your teeth to remove surface stains and create a surface that’s harder for plaque to stick to.
These visits also provide an opportunity for early detection of small oral health issues. We want to catch them before they become big problems that require more serious treatment time and cost.
Dental cleaning procedures and check ups at our Kelowna office typically include:
- Visual examination
- Tartar and plaque removal
- Teeth polishing
- Flossing and rinsing
- Fluoride treatment
- Tips for better flossing and brushing at home
7. How long after a dental cleaning can I eat?
You can usually eat right after a dental cleaning. But if you’ve had a fluoride treatment, we recommend waiting two hours before drinking hot liquids or eating anything crunchy or sticky to allow the fluoride to properly absorb into your teeth.
8. Can I have a dental cleaning while pregnant?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers it generally okay to have dental cleaning while pregnant. In fact, maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is vital for two main reasons. One, hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease and, two, studies show that poor oral health is linked to negative pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery and low birth weight.
We suggest visiting us in the second trimester; some patients find sitting in the dental chair too uncomfortable during the third trimester. Let us know if you’re pregnant when making your appointment so we can accommodate and anticipate your needs.
9. How much does a dental exam and cleaning cost?
Generally speaking, the cost of dental check ups and cleanings depends on things like your location, insurance coverage, and the complexity of your oral health needs.
Dental Cleanings & Exams for the Whole Family in Kelowna
Now that you know the basics of dental cleanings and exams, it’s time to make sure your next appointments are booked!
Contact Discover Dental to schedule your family’s next check ups and cleanings with a Kelowna dentist who offers high quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming setting.