Dental Cleanings

Welcome to Lakeland Family Dentistry, a dental office where you can get preventative care with dental cleanings in Flowood, MS. Dental cleanings are essential to one’s oral care routine. They should always be done to ensure the health of your smile. Regular dental cleaning is not just a means to enjoy that sparkle and fresh breath; it’s a proactive step in preventing various diseases and ensuring a healthy smile for years.

For those living in the Flowood area, you can experience high-quality treatment and comfort when coming to our office. With our exceptional dentists, Dr. David Henry, Dr. Stephen Greer, Dr. Chris Carlton, and our devoted team, you can get the care your smile deserves.

What are Dental Cleanings?

Dental Cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are the professional cleaning of your teeth by a dental hygienist or dentist that aims to remove plaque and tartar, which are causes of tooth decay and gum disease. It is a crucial part of your oral health maintenance, and contrary to what some believe, regular brushing and flossing can’t replace the benefits of professional cleaning.

Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Preventing Cavities and Gum Disease: Routine cleanings can effectively prevent cavities and gum disease. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth, and if not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. A professional cleaning can eradicate this risk, ensuring a healthy mouth.
Early Detection of Dental Issues: Besides cleaning, Dr. Henry, Dr. Greer, or Dr. Carlton will perform a thorough examination of your entire oral cavity, searching for signs of oral cancer, gum disease, and even non-dental issues such as diabetes and vitamin deficiencies. Early detection can save you from more invasive and expensive treatments.
Fresher Breath and Brighter Smile: A common source of halitosis, or bad breath, is the bacteria in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. A professional cleaning leaves your mouth feeling fresher and can help maintain a bright, stain-free smile.

The Dental Cleaning Procedure

A dental cleaning typically involves several steps:

Physical Exam: Dr. Henry, Dr. Greer, or Dr. Carlton will examine your mouth using a small mirror to check for signs of oral issues.
Plaque and Tartar Removal: Your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar using a unique scaler tool. It’s not uncommon to hear scraping sounds during this process.
Gritty Toothpaste-Like Toothpaste: After scaling, we will brush your teeth using a high-powered electric toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste that helps to scrub away any remaining plaque.
Flossing: Flossing follows to ensure that any remaining plaque or toothpaste is removed.
Rinsing: Once we clean your teeth, we will have you rinse with liquid fluoride to rid your mouth of debris.
Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatment is an optional step that protects your teeth from cavities.

Aftercare

The steps you take after your dental cleaning are just as necessary as the cleaning itself:

Regular Brushing and Flossing: Maintain consistent and thorough oral hygiene to preserve the results of your cleaning.
Healthy Eating Habits: A diet low in sugar and processed foods can do wonders for dental health.
Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to stained teeth and other health issues.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to maintain saliva flow, which is your mouth’s natural defense against plaque.