Why Teeth Cleanings Are Important
Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day? Flossing, too? That’s great. But regular dental cleanings done by a registered dental hygienist can still be good for you.
In this dental article, we explain what teeth cleanings are and why you should get them at least, every 6 months. Read on to find out more.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
Dental cleanings are important because brushing and flossing cannot remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth.
You may have heard about plaque and tartar before, but what are they exactly?
Plaque is a sticky layer that builds up on your teeth because of oral bacteria. After meals, leftover food particles remain in your mouth. Oral bacteria feed on the sugars in these particles and cling to your teeth.
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps remove some of this plaque. But even if you brush and floss thoroughly every day, some of it will remain, especially in tricky areas, such as between the molars.
Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, a yellow deposit on the teeth and along the gum line. Neither brushing nor flossing can remove tartar.
That’s where teeth cleanings come in.
What Are Teeth Cleanings?
Teeth cleanings are painless procedures that remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
During a teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist will use a scaler or similar device to remove plaque and tartar. You may hear scraping sounds, but there’s nothing to worry about.
Next, they may use a high-speed electric brush and gritty toothpaste to scrub your teeth free of tartar.
You may also get an expert flossing, after which you rinse your mouth with water.
Dental cleaning often ends with a fluoride treatment that can help protect your teeth against cavities.
Note that depending on the condition of your teeth, your dental hygienist may personalize the dental cleaning for optimal results.
Benefits of Teeth Cleanings
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits of dental cleanings.
- Protect your teeth and gums – Plaque is a film of bacteria that produce cavity-causing acids. Tartar that forms along your gum line can damage your gums over time. By removing both plaque and tartar, dental cleanings help keep your smile healthy.
- Brighter smile – Getting rid of all the plaque and tartar that accumulates on your teeth will make your teeth feel lighter. It can also brighten your smile.
- Reduce bath breath – Plaque and tartar can contribute to bad breath. Clean teeth and good oral hygiene can help you reduce bath breath.
- Reduce tooth loss – Whether or not you have cavities and other dental problems, dental cleanings can support overall teeth health. Getting them regularly is one way to reduce the risk of losing teeth.
- Prevent gum disease – keeping your gums in good shape will help you to prevent gum disease.
Another benefit of dental cleanings is that they allow your dentist to quickly check the state of your oral health.
They’re a good way to catch problematic cavities, signs of gum inflammation, and other oral health problems that are more easily treated when caught early.
Schedule a Teeth Cleaning
Dental cleanings are one of the best ways to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Visiting your dental office at least twice a year or as recommended for a dental cleaning is a great investment in your health.
Dental cleanings can help you avoid the costs of more expensive dental procedures later on. And they can restore confidence in your smile.
A dental cleaning carried out by a professional shouldn’t hurt or leave you feeling uncomfortable. You don’t have to cringe at the thought of undergoing this procedure or put it off.
At the end of the day, a dental cleaning is a preventative procedure, one you don’t have to lose any sleep over. Schedule your dental cleaning at Karen Dental, in Mississauga and see its benefits for yourself.