20
Dec
Can Dental Cleanings Help Prevent Cavities?
Do you have questions about the role that professional teeth cleaning plays in maintaining good oral health? Dr. Matthew VanderLaan from VanderLaan Family Dentistry in Byron Center, Michigan, has the answers you need. Your smile can retain its health and beauty through routine cleaning for years. Here’s what you should know about dental cleanings.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
Dr. VanderLaan will combine your cleaning with an oral exam to check the health of your gums and teeth. This allows us to catch problems in the making when they’re easier to treat. Prompt treatment keeps small problems from becoming big problems in the future. After your exam, our hygienist will clean your teeth, removing all plaque and tartar buildup at and above the gum line. We’ll also eliminate surface stains that dull your smile’s appearance. Lastly, we’ll floss and polish your teeth, leaving them fresh, clean, and shiny.
Can dental cleanings help prevent cavities?
Yes! Dental cleanings are more thorough than brushing and flossing alone, as our dental tools can reach the nooks and crannies your toothbrush misses. We can also eliminate tartar (hardened plaque) that can’t be removed by brushing. Plaque and tartar buildup are two of the main causes of decay. A cleaner mouth will dramatically reduce your risk of cavities.
How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?Â
Most people do well with biannual dental exams and cleanings. This allows Dr. VanderLaan to keep track of your oral health and treat dental issues swiftly. You’ll enjoy fresher breath and healthier teeth through biannual dental cleanings.Â
How do I care for my teeth in between dental cleanings?
A good teeth-cleaning routine consists of:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Rinsing your mouth with water after snacks and meals
- Flossing at least once daily, preferably before bedtime, to remove food particles between your teeth
- Disinfecting your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash before bed
Other factors that can improve oral health are stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (616) 288-2554 | Existing Patients: (616) 455-7310
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Do dental cleanings hurt?Â
No. Routine cleaning shouldn’t cause pain. However, if you have sensitive teeth, you may feel slight discomfort. By informing our hygienist about any sensitivity or discomfort, we can take steps to remedy these symptoms.Â
What is deep cleaning?
Routine cleaning eliminates plaque and tartar above the gum line of your teeth to prevent gum disease. Deep cleaning, aka scaling and root planing treatment, focuses on plaque and tartar gathered below the gum line to treat gum disease. If you show signs of gum disease, i.e., swollen, tender gums, bleeding, painful chewing, receding gums, Dr. VanderLaan may recommend deep cleaning to manage these symptoms and restore your gum health.Â
Where can I go for professional teeth cleaning near me?
At VanderLaan Family Dentistry in Byron Center, MI, we’ve got you covered. For all your dental care needs, contact Dr. Matthew VanderLaan at (616) 288-2554.Â
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Dr. Matthew VanderLaan
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety. He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man. He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11). As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football. They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.
Dana VanderLaan
Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012. She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager. Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.
Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter. She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.