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General dentistry encompasses a broad range of routine dental services that focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating common dental conditions. One primary part of general dentistry is dental cleanings, which are a key component to maintaining good dental health and general whole-body health.

About Regular Dental Hygiene Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings are an excellent way for patients to maintain tooth longevity as well as maintaining optimal oral and total body health. Dental cleaning includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, checking the whole oral cavity and head and neck area, including cancer screening to these areas, removing all plaque and calculus followed by polishing the teeth. All patients receive dental hygiene at recommended intervals based on their individual needs throughout the year to maintain their optimal oral health.

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Our Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH)

Our Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) have significant responsibilities that focus on our patient’s total oral health and care. As RDHs, they have taken the necessary educational courses and training and have passed the examinations mandated by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Not only are they experts in the field of oral hygiene education, which includes both preventative as well as ongoing maintenance necessary for optimal oral health, but they are also specially trained in our office to treat patients with dental implants, TMJ issues, or patient with head & neck cancer. Not only are they extra trained in those special fields, they have all the special equipment and materials needed for them. 

What Are the Benefits of Regular Dental Hygiene Cleanings?

Undergoing regular dental cleaning is important to maintaining a healthy smile and general full-body health. Some major benefits include the following.

Prevent Cavities: The whitish film that builds up on the teeth is called plaque. The bacteria living in plaque is the cause of tooth decay. The acid produced by the bacteria weakens the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing, and with regular dental cleanings. Our registered dental hygienists are highly skilled in helping patients learn to develop good oral hygiene habits at home.

Stop Tooth Loss: Gum disease, which starts with a build-up of plaque (causing inflammation of the gums), is called gingivitis. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

A Brighter Smile: The consumption of certain foods and beverages can stain teeth as well as smoking and vaping. Regular dental cleanings can remove built-up stains resulting in a whiter and brighter smile!

Fresh Breath: Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath. Daily flossing and brushing combined with regular dental cleanings is a great way to keep the patient’s mouth both healthy and odor-free.

Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Other Health Issues: Research finds very clear relations between oral disease and major health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and many more, so in order to stay healthy, one needs to keep a healthy and clean mouth.

What Happens at a Dental Oral Hygiene Cleaning?

A dental oral hygiene cleaning involves multiple steps to ensure healthy teeth and gums. Typically, you can expect the following at your regular cleaning appointment: 

  • Review the patient’s health history.
  • Perform an oral cancer screening and head and neck cancer screening.
  • Record the presence of diseases or abnormalities.
  • Examine the patient’s teeth and gums.
  • Patient tutorial on how to practice good oral hygiene at home.
  • Remove soft and hard deposits from teeth.
  • Oral Hygiene Education and Tutorial.
  • Discuss the importance of good nutrition and its impact on oral health.

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Dental Hygiene for TMJ Patients

Hygiene for TMJ patients requires extra time, skill, care, and equipment to provide the best results. Our hygienists have extensive advanced training, education, and experience to provide optimal care for patients with orofacial pain and TMJ.

At the conclusion of the hygiene appointment, our doctors will meet with the patient to review the questionable areas detected by the hygienist.

Preventative Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer affects more people nationwide than either cervical or skin (melanoma) cancer. It used to be that most oral cancers were found in people who used tobacco and/or drank alcohol excessively. However, this is not the case anymore.  Many oral cancers occur in people who have no risk factors at all. Recent medical studies indicate that human papillomavirus disease (HPV) can be linked with oral cancer.

During a regular dental check-up or hygiene appointment, our doctors will examine the mouth to ensure there are no symptoms of oral cancer. Two dental visits per year are the average recommended; however, if patients notice any unusual changes in the mouth, call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. For more information about Oral Cancer, support groups, or most current treatments, please visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about dental cleanings and general dentistry, please contact Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC in Bethesda, MD, today. Routine cleanings are paramount to ensuring good oral hygiene and healthy gums, teeth, and the whole body.