Dental cleanings are one of the most important preventative measures you can take to protect your dental health. Dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis or an oral hygiene appointment, is a routine dental procedure that removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
However, many people view dental cleanings as unnecessary, not until they feel some mild to severe pains in their teeth and gums.
Why is dental cleaning so important? Do I need them every six months like my dentist recommends? These are all common questions regarding what is arguably the most essential dental appointment. Let us break it down for you.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush their teeth twice a day, floss daily, and receive a dental cleaning every six months. Routine dental appointments are essential even if you have no cavities or little tartar. The ADA's recommendations reflect that dental services are preventive, not just stimulating.
In addition to treating specific oral issues, dental services keep your teeth clean and healthy, preventing future dental problems. Dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and other harmful bacteria above and below the gum line. Cleaning below the gum line helps prevent periodontal disease, which is an infection that leads to bone loss. People with periodontal disease are at an increased risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, preterm birth, and poor dental health.
Dental cleanings and routine dental visits are essential for oral health and are not just cosmetic services. Very few people view dental cleanings as urgent or necessary procedures, but they are. What's so essential about dental cleanings? This procedure removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gum.
Plaque is the stuff that forms on your teeth when they are in contact with saliva; it is bacteria, food particles, and minerals. Teeth cleaning below the gum line prevent periodontal disease, which is the direct result of infections and inflammations around the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Dental visits are not just meant to treat existing dental problems or cavities but to detect and prevent future dental problems
The benefits of professional teeth cleaning are numerous, including:
A clean mouth is essential to overall health. Routine dental cleanings and checkups will not only prevent cavities and gum disease but also lower your risk of developing severe health problems.
What Do Teeth Cleaning Visits Provide?
Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis or oral hygiene appointments, remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Teeth cleaning appointments are used to refer to both the cleaning and assessment provided during a dental visit.
Teeth cleaning appointments usually include an exam and a cleaning. The exam includes a visual inspection and an assessment of your teeth and gums.
If you are scheduling a dental cleaning appointment, here are a few things you can expect:
Your dental hygienist will review your dental health, including your oral hygiene habits, current oral health, and a dental chart of any existing dental issues.
During deep teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist will brush your teeth well and remove plaque and tartar.
Your hygienist will use dental instruments to chart your teeth, and an optical device called a periodontal probe or explorer to assess your gum line.
Your dental hygienist will polish your teeth with a special paste and a sonic or rotary toothbrush.
This is an essential part of dental cleaning that is often overlooked. Routine dental cleanings and dental visits include thorough teeth cleaning and assessing your overall dental health. The dental hygienist will work with you to find and fix any problems you have with your teeth.
Routine dental visits and cleanings can improve your overall wellness beyond oral health. When your mouth is healthy, it can positively affect your other organs. Several studies show a direct tie between gum disease to heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening complications. Keeping your oral health in top shape is an excellent way to keep the rest of your body healthy!
The immune system is inextricably linked to all parts of the body. A weak immune system can result in frequent colds, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Dental infections can be a breeding ground for bacteria that cause sore throats, colds, and other infections.
Some oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus, which causes gum infections and tooth decay, can even be lethal. When your mouth is in good health, it can help boost your immune system and fight off infections.
Maintaining proper dental hygiene and keeping track of your overall dental health can benefit you in the long run. Brushing our teeth twice daily and flossing can be a great starting point in creating a healthy oral routine.
The Next Part of Your Visit: The Dental Exam
The dental exam is the second part of your dental cleaning appointment. Your dentist will look at your teeth and gums during the dental exam. They will use an instrument called a periodontal probe or explorer to assess the health of your gums. When you go to the dentist for a cleaning, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, and your dental health is checked.
The dental exam is the second part of your dental cleaning appointment. Besides looking at your teeth, the dentist will examine the rest of your mouth, including your jaw. They may ask you questions about your medical history, including any medications you are taking.
They may also ask if you have had any recent surgery or is pregnant. They will also look for signs of oral diseases such as periodontal disease, which is an infection that leads to bone loss. Checking for signs of oral cancer, including lumps and bumps, may also be conducted.
At Serene Dental Center, we believe that a healthy smile is the foundation to a happy and successful life. We are committed to helping you achieve your dental goals by providing the latest dental care and education innovations. We provide a wide variety of services, including teeth whitening, dental implants, and Invisalign.
We are committed to providing excellent care with a gentle touch. Our goal is to help you maintain your optimal oral health and achieve the smile you want. As soon as you walk in, you'll see how much we care about giving you the best dental experience and making the place feel like home.
Call or visit our online scheduling page and experience our high-quality dentistry care in comfort and gentleness. Come get the Serene Experience!
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