General Dentistry Services in Rockaway Beach, NY

We regularly perform dental cleanings and check-ups for patients in our dental office. Dental cleanings are extremely important for patients of all ages. By visiting your dentist to get cleanings, you’re taking proactive measures to care for your oral health. Good oral hygiene helps prevent issues like cavities and gum disease. 

Your oral health is also linked to your overall health. Research shows that gingivitis (a mild type of gum disease) and periodontitis (a serious gum infection) can contribute to health issues such as:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Endocarditis (an infection in your heart’s inner lining)
• Pneumonia
• Pregnancy complications
  

Visit our dental office for a cleaning and a routine exam at least once a year — more often if you notice any problems with your teeth (such as tooth pain or bleeding gums). 

What happens at a dental cleaning and check-up? First, we’ll examine your teeth and gums to see if anything looks amiss. You might need dental X-rays, too. X-rays help detect problems like:

• Decay
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Condition and position of teeth
• Abscesses (infections)
• Cysts

If your teeth and gums are healthy, you may only need X-rays once every couple of years.

The next step in a dental cleaning is to remove the plaque (bacteria) and tartar that may have built up around your teeth. Tartar is mineralized plaque. If you have too much tartar, we may include tooth polishing and debridement in your cleaning. Dental debridements use an ultrasonic scaler to remove the plaque and tartar.

After we’ve addressed the tartar and plaque, our hygienist will brush your teeth using an electric toothbrush. Next, he or she will floss your teeth thoroughly. In some cases, the final step before our dentist comes into the room is a fluoride treatment. Our general dentist will complete the exam by checking your mouth and answering any questions you have.

At your cleaning, we’ll also give you advice on how to care for your teeth at home. We’re happy to answer any questions or provide a demonstration to show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth. 

If you have any other health conditions, you’ll want to tell us about those, too. Some conditions, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, can affect your teeth and gums. 

We can also recommend a good mouthwash brand, or point you in the right direction if you need help to stop smoking (smoking can cause gum disease and oral cancer).