Dental Hygiene/Cleanings
Our skilled, yet calming team will put you at ease right from your first appointment
Dental hygiene appointments—also called teeth cleaning appointments—help you achieve your healthiest teeth, mouth, and gums! You’ll want to schedule these appointments at regular intervals, usually twice a year.
Learn more about Periodontal Disease and Your Health
Pregnant?
Your Child’s Hygiene Exam
Adults – what to expect at your cleaning appointment
Once you’re settled, Dr. Duffy or a dental assistant will ask about your medical history, examine your mouth, and decide which digital X-rays you may need for an accurate, complete checkup.
- Have pain in your mouth, jaw, temples, or elsewhere
- Have bleeding gums
- Have sensitivity in any or all your teeth
- Snore or grind your teeth or have been told that you do
- Are experiencing nervousness or anxiety? We have a variety of ways we can help you feel more comfortable including very gentle care and sedation dentistry
- Have other concerns about your health, or simply if you have noticed or been informed of any changes to your overall health since your last visit
We will address these first. Then, we make sure you are comfortable with your ability to eat and are happy with your smile.
Cleaning your teeth
Cleaning your teeth- We thoroughly clean your teeth to remove plaque (which can inflame your gums), especially in hard-to-reach places, as well as any tartar that has hardened onto the teeth and under the gums. Floss, protective fluoride, and teeth sealants, as indicated, add the finishing touch
Your hygienist will use specialized dental instruments when checking your gums for disease and any receding gum tissue - If you have gum disease and require deep and/or more frequent cleanings, we will work with you to develop a personalized plan
- We will also perform an oral cancer screening by checking the sides and underside of your tongue, your entire mouth and back of the throat, as well as your jaw, jaw joint (TMJ), and neck for thyroid and lymph nodes
Once complete, Dr. Duffy will provide you with a summary of your oral health and discuss any next steps, answer your questions, schedule your next hygiene appointment, and have you on your way.
Caring for your teeth at home
For optimal dental health, we encourage you to brush twice a day and floss once, as well as strive to maintain a healthy diet and exercise habits. Our team is happy to work with you to identify other ways you can preserve your gums and smile, depending on your unique dental and health needs.
Pregnant?
Pregnant?If you are newly pregnant, you are learning that your pregnancy affects your entire body! Good oral hygiene and health habits are especially important to maintain during pregnancy. While it is normal to have your gums bleed a little more than usual while pregnant, you will want to continue flossing and brushing. If it does not clear up within two weeks, or the frequency or severity increases, talk to your pregnancy care provider and schedule an appointment with Dr. Duffy. In general, most dental care is safe during all stages of your baby’s development, and we have a variety of ways to modify care appropriately so that everyone is safe and comfortable.
