The ADA recommends having your teeth professionally cleaned semi-annually. There are several reasons this is recommended.

With the amount of tartar that builds up over time on our teeth, even good oral hygiene steps does not always removed all the bacteria, that causes tartar, and then causes the decay and cavities.

Depending on the teeth, the oral hygiene process used, the diet and the overall areas of the teeth like smoking, will dictate if there is a more frequent need for a professional dental cleaning.

At a cleaning your dentist will look for warning signs of dental issues that can be solved easily when they are caught early. There is also a detailed removal of the plaque that has attached itself to your teeth, therefore not giving it as much of a chance to cause decay that is going to be damaging your teeth more greatly.

Here is what you can expect at a dental cleaning.

1.    A full examination of your teeth, gums and tongue
2.    A cleaning of all the areas in your mouth
3.    X-rays may be taken
4.    An oral hygiene plan may be discussed
5.    Depending on the needs of the mouth, a follow up appointment will be planned.
6.    Your dental insurance will likely pay for the visit for the cleaning. However if there is future work that needs to be completed, you can discuss the cost with your dentist.
7.    If your dentist sees a need to work on the steps you take for brushing and flossing this could also be discussed.
8.    Your teeth will also be cleaner and a plan for whitening may occur.
9.    The visit should take roughly thirty minutes
10.    There is some pain, however you can request a local anesthetic if you are concerned about the pain.

Getting your teeth clean is an important step to keeping a great smile. The total process of flossing correctly, brushing thoroughly and eating a healthy diet will help the cleaning process be easier and almost painless.

There are so many options available to maintain a dental cleaning, check up, and follow up repair within reasonable costs, time, and with as little pain as possible, that it is important not to forget or avoid getting it done.

However, there is some pain with a cleaning. Depending on the amount of plaque that has been built up between cleaning visits, will depend on how long the visit will be and how hard of a cleaning job it will be.

Your dentist will do all they can to make you comfortable. If the situation is causing too much anxiety, you can request a pain reliever or sedation before the process is completed.

With the steps you take for good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet will also help the cleaning process be easier. If you eat foods high in fiber, low in sugar and that have plenty of vitamins and minerals, then you will experience a cleaning at your dentist that is going to be fast, and almost painless.

A healthy diet, proper cleaning, brushing and flossing will resolve many of the issues that would occur to cause cavities and decay. If these cavities and decay are not removed in a timely manner, it will cause more serious issues like tooth, gum and bone decay and disease. This takes a great deal more effort, pain and money to resolve. Therefore going to your cleanings every six months will give you the edge to prevent future problems.