The benefits of a professional dental cleaning

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of dental professionals dedicated to continuing dental education. A professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can improve your overall oral health.

The AGD recommends that a dentist or hygienist perform a dental exam and cleaning twice a year. These cleanings help to reinforce the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing while also giving your dentist an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need further attention.

Those who practice great oral hygiene at home with proper brushing and flossing techniques typically do not experience discomfort during a cleaning. However, those who have neglected their oral hygiene habits may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during a cleaning. Your hygienist may use a topical anesthetic before the cleaning to alleviate some of the discomfort.

During a dental cleaning, you’ll receive diagnostic and preventive services from your dentist and hygienist as well as any needed educational information.