Why Having Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned Is So Important
Have you ever wondered why regular teeth cleaning at the dentist is so important for maintaining your oral health?
We all know the basics of maintaining oral hygiene like brushing and flossing but sometimes we forget that there’s more to it than just those daily routines.
In this article, we’ll explore why having your teeth professionally cleaned is so important, how it works, and some tips you can follow at home too. Let’s get started!
What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional cleaning is a routine dental treatment performed by dentists that is vital for maintaining good oral and overall health. It can help you prevent a variety of health problems, as we’ll cover in more detail below. Everyone should ideally get their teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months even if they brush and floss daily.
Why Is Teeth Cleaning Important?
Fresher breath
Bad breath can be embarrassing, but professional teeth cleaning helps to clean bacteria that contribute to foul odors. By removing this buildup, your breath will feel fresher. This is especially useful for anyone who tends to suffer from halitosis.
Prevents tooth decay
Neglected plaque buildup on teeth is a major cause of tooth decay. Whilst you may brush and floss your teeth every day, there is a certain amount of bacteria that escapes home routines, making your dental visits all the more important. During a cleaning session, our dentist will thoroughly remove any plaque and ensure your teeth are free from harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities, tooth sensitivity, and painful infections.
Gum disease prevention
Plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) don’t just harm your teeth, they can also damage your gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and even affect your overall health. Having your teeth regularly cleaned will reduce the chances of these developing.
A brighter and whiter smile
Over time, our teeth can become stained due to certain foods, drinks, and habits like smoking. Teeth cleaning removes surface stains, allowing you a brighter, whiter smile and an instant confidence boost. Professional teeth whitening treatment is also available to give your teeth a whiter smile.
Early detection of dental issues
Regular teeth cleaning also involves a comprehensive examination of your mouth, allowing our dentist to spot any potential dental issues early on. This can include cracked teeth, cavities, oral cancer, and more. Early detection means easier and minimally invasive treatments. It allows you to save money in the long run too! Preventative care and early dental treatment of dental problems are typically less costly than extensive treatments that may be required if issues are left untreated or ignored.
Overall health benefits
Did you know that poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health conditions? Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections have been associated with gum disease. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy through regular cleanings, you’re also maintaining your overall well-being.
How Does Teeth Cleaning Work?
Here’s how your teeth cleaning will generally work:
Examination
Before the cleaning begins, our dentist will first examine your teeth and gums closely to check for any visible issues or areas of concern. They may use a small mirror to get a better view of your teeth and gums.
Tartar and plaque removal
Using a small metal instrument called a scaler, our dentist will carefully and gently scrape off the plaque and tartar that have built up on the surface of your teeth and around the gum line.
High-powered electric brush
Once the initial tartar and plaque are removed, our experienced dentists will use a high-powered electric toothbrush with gritty toothpaste to deep clean your teeth. This helps polish and remove any remaining stains or plaque.
Expert flossing
Flossing between your teeth will be done to reach and remove any plaque or debris that may be trapped in hard-to-reach areas. We will also show you how to correctly floss your teeth and provide recommendations on improving your home oral hygiene routine.
Rinsing
You will need to rinse your mouth to get rid of any residue. Our dentist may use a spray or suction device to assist you in rinsing effectively.
Remember, the exact steps involved in teeth cleaning may vary depending on your unique condition and needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, it’s always best to discuss them with one of our experienced dentists who can provide you with the best guidance and recommendations.
Tips To Help You Maintain Healthy Teeth
-Brush twice a day
-Floss daily
-Adopt a proper brushing technique
-Use mouthwash
-Limit sugary and acidic food/drinks
-Drink plenty of water
-Maintain a balanced diet
-Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption
-Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
-Attend routine checkups
How Often Should You Clean Your Teeth?
It is generally recommended to have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months. This allows for regular monitoring of your oral health and early detection of any potential issues.
However, the frequency of teeth cleanings may vary depending on some factors such as your oral hygiene habits, medical history, and overall oral health. For some with specific dental conditions, more frequent cleanings may be necessary to maintain optimal oral health.
To determine how often you should get your teeth cleaned, talk to one of our experienced dental professionals at SDG. We will carry out a comprehensive examination and provide you with the best solution to keep your smile bright and healthy.