At Peninsula Family Dentistry, maintaining optimal oral health starts with regular dental cleaning in Gig Harbor. Thomas Duffy, DDS, and his skilled yet calming team are committed to providing top-notch dental care and helping patients feel at ease during their visits. Whether you’re due for your six-month checkup or haven’t had a cleaning in a while, our practice is here to help you achieve your healthiest teeth, mouth, and gums.
Why Dental Cleanings Are Essential
Dental cleanings, also called hygiene appointments, are the foundation of preventive dental care. These routine visits help remove “sticky” plaque and tartar that build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, protecting your teeth and gums from decay and disease. Even with consistent brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate, and over time, it will harden into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove.
At Peninsula Family Dentistry, we recommend scheduling your dental cleanings at least twice yearly to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. For some patients, such as those with gum disease, more frequent cleanings may be necessary to maintain optimal oral health.
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning in Gig Harbor
When you visit us for a dental cleaning in Gig Harbor, our team takes the time to make sure you’re comfortable and informed about the process. We start by reviewing your medical history and discussing any concerns you may have. Common concerns we hear include:
- Sensitivity in your teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Jaw pain
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
And if you’re feeling nervous or anxious, please let us know. We offer a variety of ways to help you feel more comfortable, including our extra-gentle care and sedation options. You’re also welcome to bring along your earbuds and enjoy your favorite music. Once we address your concerns, we will begin the cleaning process. Our patient reviews show that many, many patients report that they have never received such gentle care as they have at Peninsula Family Dentistry!
Cleaning Your Teeth
Your dental hygienist will use specialized tools to thoroughly clean your teeth, paying close attention to areas that are difficult to clean, even despite regular brushing and flossing. This cleaning removes::
- Plaque: Soft, sticky bacteria that irritate gums and cause cavities
- Tartar Hardened plaque can lead to gum disease if not adequately addressed
The hygienist will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave them feeling smooth and clean. Finally, we may apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and help prevent future cavities.
Gum Health and Oral Cancer Screening
During your cleaning, Dr. Duffy or your dental hygienist will also check for signs of gum disease. This exam involves measuring the depth of the pockets around your teeth and evaluating the health of your gums. If any signs of gum disease are present, we will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include more frequent cleanings or deeper cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing.
In addition to checking your gums, we perform an oral cancer screening at every routine visit. This screening includes examining the sides and underside of your tongue, the back of your throat, and the lymph nodes in your neck to detect any abnormalities early.
The Peninsula Family Dentistry Experience
Dr. Duffy and his team at Peninsula Family Dentistry in Gig Harbor take pride in providing high-quality dental care that’s both professional and calming. We understand that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for some patients, which is why we prioritize comfort and communication at every step of your appointment.
Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and South Kitsap patients travel to our practice for dental cleanings because of our attention to detail and personalized approach. Our team builds lasting relationships with each patient, ensuring you feel comfortable and cared for throughout your visit.
One of our patients, Denise Simpson., shares her experience:
“New to the area and had my first cleaning. What a great experience from even before my office visit. Paperwork filled out online, staff over the top organized and super friendly. Elsie, the hygienist, and Dr. Duffy were both extremely knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable. If you need a new Dentist, try them out!”
The Importance of Home Care Between Visits
While regular dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining oral health, daily care at home is just as important, possibly even more so and is really where the magic happens. At Peninsula Family Dentistry, we encourage our patients to brush twice daily with good technique and a soft or ultra soft brush, floss or use some other appropriately effective tool like a waterpik once or twice daily, and maintain a healthy diet. Our team is happy to provide personalized tips, techniques, and tools to help you improve your at-home oral hygiene routine based on your unique dental and health needs.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning in Gig Harbor Today
Regular professional cleanings make maintaining your oral health more manageable. Whether you’re due for a dental cleaning in Gig Harbor or have questions about your oral health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Duffy at Peninsula Family Dentistry. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you’re in Gig Harbor, on the Key Peninsula or in Port Orchard (or other South Kitsap communities), and are looking for a dentist who prioritizes your comfort and oral health, we will welcome you. Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Duffy and our team at Peninsula Family Dentistry!
