Professional Dental Hygiene (Cleanings)
Along with six-month checkups, you need a dental cleaning. At these visits, you’ll meet with one of our friendly, gentle hygienists. A hygienist has a degree in dental hygiene, so she is qualified (and eager) to educate you about dental homecare and homecare products. The hygienist will answer your questions about brushing, flossing, and preventing bad breath.
She will also clean your teeth to remove plaque, the sticky, smelly substance produced by oral bacteria, and tartar, which is hardened plaque. Both plaque and tartar can irritate gum tissue and initiate infection, or gum disease. About 80% of Americans have gum disease, and it has been linked to heart attack, stroke, respiratory problems, low birth weight, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and diabetes complications. If you have gum disease, the hygienist will recommend a deep cleaning, or periodontal treatment. Untreated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which causes tooth loss, gum recession, and jawbone degeneration. It’s very important to seek treatment and follow the hygienist’s instructions if you have gum disease.
Call our dental office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Stewart. We give residents of Livonia, Farmington, and Farmington Hills personalized service and patient-focused care for smiles that last.