The Importance of Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings are one of the best weapons in the fight against gum disease and tooth decay. At your dentist's office in Selma, CA, Dr. Norman Senzaki recommends a dental cleaning and comprehensive oral exam twice a year. This prophylactic care promotes your smile appearance, oral health, and aspects of your systemic health, too.


What cleaning involves

Of course, you expect your hygienist to polish your teeth using a gritty toothpaste and rotary brush. She'll expertly floss them, too, and show you ways to improve your home technique.


However, these steps are the finishing touches on your hygiene visit at our Selma, CA, office. Just like your dentist, Dr. Senzaki, your hygienist performs many important health checks, including:


  • Updating your medical history and prescription list
  • Asking about any symptoms or changes in your oral or systemic health
  • Counting your teeth, assessing your dental bite, and looking for any obvious health problems, including tooth decay and oral cancer
  • Checking your periodontal health by measuring gum pocket depth and tissue integrity with a small metal probe
  • Taking digital X-rays as scheduled
  • Applying fluoride varnishes (to prevent tooth decay) if warranted


Then, you will receive a thorough dental scaling with small instruments and ultrasonic cleaners. This procedure removes the germy plaque and tartar deposits in between teeth and along the gum line. Left to accumulate, biofilms lead to cavities and gum disease, both top causes of tooth loss among American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At this time, Dr. Senzaki visits to do your oral exam.


The benefits of six-month cleanings

The American Dental Association (ADA) maintains six months is the most beneficial interval for in-office prophylactic care. The cleanings catch gum bleeding and remove tartar deposits you may never detect. Plus, having an eye-on assessment by two professionals--your dentist and your hygienist--assures you all is well. If there is a problem, it is detected and addressed right away.


Come see Dr. Norman Senzaki

At our Selma, CA, office, our professional team enjoys vibrant smiles. We want yours to stay that way. So, why not arrange your six-month cleaning now? We'd love to see you soon. Phone (559) 891-7538.

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