Professional teeth cleanings are a “must” for oral health and will complement home hygiene

Cleaning your teeth at home is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to maintaining excellent oral health and avoiding conditions such as dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease. However, professional cleanings at West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, Illinois, are fundamental to the hygiene that promotes lasting healthy smiles, systemic health, and overall wellbeing. Additionally, cleanings are about so much more than removing food particles and other substances that encourage the development of harmful plaque.

What to expect

Standard cleanings are scheduled once every six months. They occur at the same routine appointment where one of our dentists, Drs Susan Mazzei, or Kelsey Esposito, examines your mouth. If you are at increased risk of developing oral conditions due to factors such as smoking, we will generally want to see you more frequently for check-ups.

Our skilled dental hygienists start the process by visually inspecting your oral tissues. They then use specialized instruments, such as probes, to gently measure the spaces between the teeth and gums. These periodontal pockets tell us a great deal about the presence of active gum disease and the extent or stage of periodontal disease; the more extensive the pockets, the more advanced the disease.

Our hygienists have at their disposal many specialized tools to remove harmful bacteria, sticky bacterial plaque, and hardened plaque from the teeth and at the gum line. While they are cleaning your teeth, suggestions may be provided on how to more efficiently or effectively clean the teeth and other areas that may be neglected. These areas include the tongue and palate. We are also happy to provide suggestions on oral care products, and preventive services may be discussed, too. It is important to remember there is no substitute for professional care and that care must be combined with consistent good oral hygiene at home. Remember that our hygienists have the tools to remove what can’t be removed with a standard toothbrush: tartar. They are also trained on how to use these instruments safely and in a way that minimizes potential discomfort.

Patients with active gum disease may also be candidates for a “deep cleaning,” known as scaling and root planing. Routine cleanings are a must for your smile and overall health. So, schedule yours today. Call West Suburban Oral Health Care at 630-393-3045.

Dr. Susan Mazzei is committed to delivering compassionate and effective care to patients of all ages and backgrounds in Naperville, Illinois. She is a highly skilled dentist who earned her Certification in Prosthodontics after graduating from Northwestern University Dental School.

After finishing her studies, she enrolled in the Northwestern University Dental School faculty as a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Mazzei believes that optimal dental health begins with education and preventative care and educates patients at West Suburban Oral Healthcare on how to take more control of their oral health, which promotes optimal systemic health.

Dr. Mazzei is dedicated to upgrading her education and being up to date on the newest breakthroughs in oral health and dentistry, ensuring that her patients receive the finest care possible.