Adult & Child Dental Cleanings In Redmond, WA
Dental cleanings are a critical step in routine dental care and preventive dentistry. Dental cleanings help prevent common issues such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and a number of other dental diseases.
Regular oral exams and teeth cleanings at Redmond Art of Dentistry are an opportunity for Dr. Bickel to assess your overall dental health and address any issues.
Dental Cleaning Recommendations
- Both adults and children should see a dentist for a teeth cleaning and examination every six months.
- If you have periodontal disease, Dr. Bickel may recommend that you come in every 3 months for periodontal maintenance.
- As part of the exams, our team will take digital x-rays to check for tooth decay and other potentially hidden oral health issues.
- We will also examine the oral tissues of your mouth, as well as your lips and gums, for potential signs of lesions or other indicators of oral cancer.
Understanding The Cleaning & Exam Process
Not sure what to expect from a dental cleaning and examination at Redmond Art of Dentistry? We’ve compiled a list of the services we typically include in routine exams:
- Teeth brushing & polishing: First, one of our oral hygienists will clean and brush your teeth, using a powerful toothbrush to polish away stains and restore their appearance. They will also floss your teeth.
- Evaluation of plaque & calculus levels: Next, your oral health will be assessed, and your hygienist will check for high calculus (tartar) levels. Calculus is the buildup of material caused by excessive plaque, and it’s a sign of poor oral hygiene.
- Plaque & tartar scaling: Using a dental scaler, plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth.
- Pocket depth measurements: Your hygienist will check the measurements of the pockets around your gums, to ensure you are free from gum disease.
- Cavity check: Next, your teeth are checked for signs of tooth decay and cavities (a visual examination) and your hygienist will probe for soft spots, where the enamel may be decaying.
- Examinations of oral restorations: Dr. Bickel will examine your mouth to make sure that oral restorations like crowns and bridges, fillings, dental implants, and other such restorations are in good shape.
- Periodontal maintenance: If you have had periodontal disease in the past, it’s recommended that you undergo a comprehensive periodontal cleaning, including antibiotic treatment and scaling and root planing, to ensure the symptoms of the disease are minimized.
- Updated x-rays (yearly): Our dental team takes yearly x-rays (radiographs) to check for tooth decay and other potentially hidden oral health issues.
- Soft tissue examination & oral cancer screening: We will examine the oral tissues of your mouth, as well as your lips and gums, for potential signs of lesions or other indicators of oral cancer.
The Best Care For Patients Of Every Age!
Dr. Daniel Bickel is an experienced family dentist. Whether you are looking for a new dental home, or your little ones need pediatric care, the team at Redmond Art of Dentistry would be proud to help you and your loved ones maintain your smiles. With our focus on preventative dentistry and our advanced digital technology, we offer thorough, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ's
A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a professional cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. It involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth to maintain oral health and prevent dental issues. At Redmond Art of Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Bickel and his team emphasize the importance of regular dental cleanings as a key component of preventive dental care.
Dental cleanings are crucial because they help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up on your teeth and lead to tooth decay if not removed. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can cause gum inflammation and lead to periodontal disease, which is a serious infection that can damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Regular cleanings help keep these issues at bay, ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy.
The general recommendation from dental professionals, including those at Redmond Art of Dentistry, is to have a dental cleaning every six months. This biannual schedule helps maintain optimal oral health by preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar. However, the frequency of dental cleanings can vary based on individual needs.
Some patients may require more frequent cleanings due to factors such as a history of gum disease, a tendency to develop cavities, or the presence of certain medical conditions that affect oral health. Dr. Daniel Bickel can assess your oral health and provide personalized recommendations for how often you should schedule your cleanings. By adhering to a regular cleaning schedule, you can reduce the risk of dental problems and maintain a bright, healthy smile.
When you visit Redmond Art of Dentistry for a dental cleaning, you can expect a thorough and comfortable experience. Dr. Daniel Bickel and his team are dedicated to providing high-quality care in a welcoming environment. The dental cleaning process typically includes several steps to ensure your teeth and gums are in excellent condition.
First, a dental hygienist will conduct an initial examination of your mouth, checking for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues. Next, they will use tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, paying close attention to areas that are difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing. Once your teeth are free of buildup, the hygienist will polish them to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking bright. Finally, they may apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities. Throughout the process, the team at Redmond Art of Dentistry prioritizes your comfort and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At Redmond Art of Dentistry, Dr. Bickel and our team often discuss nutritional choices with patients as part of comprehensive dental care.
Foods that benefit dental health include:
- Calcium-rich options like cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens, which strengthen tooth enamel
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery, which stimulate saliva production and naturally clean teeth
- Protein sources such as lean meats, eggs, and nuts, which provide phosphorus essential for tooth strength
- Water, which rinses away food particles and maintains saliva flow
We recommend limiting:
- Sugary foods and beverages that feed harmful bacteria in your mouth
- Acidic drinks like soda and certain fruit juices that erode enamel
- Sticky or chewy candies that cling to teeth and extend sugar exposure
- Hard foods that might crack teeth when bitten with force
Timing also matters—snacking frequently throughout the day without brushing keeps your teeth constantly exposed to acids.
Dr. Bickel can provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your specific oral health needs during your next appointment at Redmond Art of Dentistry.