Even with good at-home oral health routines, going to the dentist for regular cleanings is an essential part of keeping your smile healthy. Visiting the dentist for preventive care can also help avoid the need for more costly oral health procedures. What happens during a dental cleaning? Trained dental hygienists use tools to clean your gums and teeth professionally. They check for signs of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and cavities and make note of any problem areas for the dentist to examine. As part of a dental cleaning, a scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar around your gum line. Scraping sounds are normal, but let your hygienist know if you are uncomfortable or feel pain. While flossing and brushing can keep plaque from hardening and becoming tartar, it can only be removed during a dental cleaning. If your hygienist spends a long time cleaning your teeth, they might encourage […]