Everyone knows that brushing and flossing are important for maintaining good oral hygiene for healthy teeth, but did you know that regular teeth cleaning by a dental professional is also crucial for your overall health and well-being?
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums, if not removed, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing and flossing can help remove dental plaque, they can’t reach all the nooks and crannies in your mouth. That’s where professional teeth cleaning comes in.
During a teeth cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar (a harder form of plaque that has built up over time) from the surfaces of your teeth, as well as in between your teeth and along the gumline. They will also polish your teeth to remove any surface stains and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Routine Dental Cleaning
The benefits of teeth cleaning go beyond just a nice, clean mouth. According to the American Dental Association here are four reasons why professional teeth cleaning is important:
Prevention of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
As mentioned earlier, plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not properly removed. Tooth decay can cause toothaches, infections, bad breath and even tooth loss. Gum disease, on the other hand, can lead to receding puffy gums, loose teeth, and even bone loss. By removing plaque and tartar through professional teeth cleaning, you can help prevent these oral health issues.
Early Detection of Other Oral Health Issues
During a teeth cleaning appointment, your dental hygienist and doctor will also examine your mouth for any signs of oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Catching these problems early can make treatment easier and more effective.
Improved Breath
No one wants to have bad breath, and regular professional tooth cleaning can help improve your breath. Plaque and tartar cause bad breath, and removing them during a teeth cleaning can help freshen your breath.
Better Overall Health
Poor dental hygiene has been linked to a number of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By maintaining good oral hygiene through regular teeth cleaning, you can help improve your overall health.
Types of Dental Cleaning
Teeth cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, is a preventive dental procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and gums. It is typically performed by a dental hygienist and is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene.
There are two types of teeth cleaning: regular cleaning, and deep cleaning. Regular cleaning, also known as prophylaxis or preventive cleaning, is a routine cleaning that is recommended for most people at least twice a year. This type of cleaning involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and gums, as well as polishing the teeth to remove surface stains.
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more intensive cleaning that is recommended for individuals with gum disease or a high potential for gum disease also known as Perio Disease. This cleaning involves the removal of plaque and tartar from below the gum line and the smoothing of the roots of the teeth to help prevent the buildup of bacteria and bleeding gums that results in bad breath, puffy painful gums, and tooth loss..
Both regular and deep cleanings along with fluoride treatment are important for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing tooth decay, tooth loss and treating gum disease. They can also help improve the appearance of the teeth and freshen the breath.
It is important to note that while routine dental cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar, it is not a substitute for regular and proper brushing and flossing. These daily oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining good oral health between deep dental cleaning appointments.
In conclusion, routine dental cleaning is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. Be sure to schedule regular professional teeth cleaning appointments with your dental hygienists to keep your smile beautiful, your mouth clean, healthy, and happy. Don’t forget to ask about dental insurance, it should cover routine preventive dental care—including dental cleanings.
