Dental cleaning is necessary for taking care of your teeth; they’re not as scary as you might think. Even though they don’t have the same level of visibility as other procedures, dental cleanings play an essential role in your oral health.
Cleanings remove tartar and plaque that build up on the surfaces of your teeth. They also remove any excess buildup where it can cause damage or infection. The result is whiter, healthier-looking teeth and a reduced risk of gum disease or decay.
Cleanings are only beneficial if performed regularly—ideally once every six months—to prevent harmful bacteria from festering and causing later problems.
ADA Recommended Cleanings
The American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist every six months for a cleaning and a checkup. This is how often you should brush your teeth to keep your mouth healthy and avoid serious problems like gum disease and tooth loss.
Dental cleanings should be a standard part of your regular health routine. In addition to regular dental cleanings, you should also make sure you’re brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and using an oral irrigator twice weekly.
Regular dental visits can help you spot problems before they become major issues, saving you time and money.
Why Are Dental Services Essential?
Regular dental visits prevent serious oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth loss. Even though these problems can be fixed, they are permanent and can only be avoided by taking precautions like regularly cleaning your teeth.
Beyond protecting you against severe problems like tooth loss, dental cleanings serve several practical purposes. They remove plaque and tartar that naturally forms on teeth, leading to tooth decay if left alone.
They also help spot and treat minor problems before they become significant issues. A professional teeth cleaning can also brighten your teeth with a particular type of polish or chemical treatment.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
A teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease if left alone. Cleaning also helps your teeth look whiter because it removes surface stains caused by smoking, coffee, tea, and red wine.
The teeth cleaning process can last between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the condition of your teeth. Having clean teeth is essential not only for appearance but also for your overall health.
Bad breath, swollen gums, loose teeth, and even heart disease are symptoms of poor dental hygiene. Your dentist might also find cavities or other oral diseases with bad breath. A thorough teeth cleaning can also reveal if you have any existing fillings that are coming loose.
What Do Teeth Cleaning Visits Provide?
Your teeth cleaning appointment will include several steps to ensure your teeth and gums are clean and healthy. First, your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth to check for abnormalities or other issues.
Next, your teeth will be scaled (using either a dental tool or a particular ultrasonic cleaning device), which involves rinsing and scraping the surface of your teeth to remove plaque buildup. Your gums will be probed to check for gum disease, and your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and bacteria.
What to Expect at Your Next Dental Visit
During your dental visit, your dental hygienist will first clean your teeth, and then your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. During the cleaning, your dental hygienist will use a unique tool to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
During the exam, your dentist will thoroughly check your teeth and gums for any signs of damage or existing disease.
Dental Cleaning and Exam Can Improve Your Wellness
Dental cleanings, along with regular visits to your dentist, can help improve your overall oral health. Dental visits have been linked to decreased rates of heart disease. Researchers have found that people with gum disease are much more likely to get heart disease.
A thorough examination by your dentist can also reveal minor problems before they become serious, saving you time and money. The condition of your teeth can affect more than just your smile; it can also affect your overall health.
Research has shown that poor oral health can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Gum disease has also been linked to preterm births, so pregnant women are advised to take special care of their oral health.
How the Condition of Your Teeth Affects Your Body
Bad breath
If you have bad breath and don’t treat it, it can lead to depression and low self-esteem. It can also affect your relationships and your career. Bad breath is also a sign of poor dental health and dental disease.
Swollen gums
Swollen gums can cause you to lose teeth, but you can avoid this by taking care of your mouth with regularly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing atleast once a day.
Loose teeth
Gums without teeth are more likely to be infected, leading to gingivitis. This can damage your overall health as well as your self-esteem and confidence.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy After Your Cleaning and Exam.
Following your dentist’s advice is the best way to keep your teeth healthy after cleaning and exam. Use the tips above in this article to help you keep your mouth clean and prevent damage to your teeth and gums. Brush your teeth twice a day.
Be sure to use the proper brushing technique and brush for two minutes to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Keep an extra toothbrush on hand for your daily use to prevent cross-contamination.
Floss once a day. This removes plaque buildup in places your toothbrush cannot reach. Use mouthwash. Mouthwash can help kill the bacteria in your mouth, giving you fresher breath and extra protection from harmful bacteria.
The Next of Your Visit: A Dental Exam
A dental exam will usually begin with a thorough medical history review. The dentist will then look at your teeth and gums to see if any problems could be signs of a more significant health issue.
Once the exam is complete, your dentist will let you know if any treatment is needed. Your dentist will inform you of the recommended course of action, including tooth extractions, scaling, sealants, fluoride, or notable orthodontic bands.
Depending on the extent of the treatment, you may need to return to the dentist’s office for follow-up appointments.
Contact East Valley Dental Care for your dental cleaning
Keeping your teeth clean is the best way to express your confidence and increase self-esteem! Make an appointment with East Valley Dental Care to have your teeth cleaned. Our dentists and staff will help you take care of your teeth, resulting in a smile you can be proud of! For more information, please visit eastvalleydentalcare.com/.
If you want to maintain good health, it is imperative that you look after your teeth and gums. A beautiful smile can boost your confidence and help you feel at home with others.
