How often should you have a routine dental cleaning? We explain the answer here to help you put your dental health first.
Your dental health is far more important to your overall health than most people realize. In fact, it's so important that neglected oral health can lead to a host of major health issues down the line -- but this doesn't have to be your reality.
This is where routine
dental cleaning comes in. Even if you are super conscientious about your teeth cleaning routine, regular dental cleanings and check-ups can find things you might have never noticed about your oral health.
So, how often is routine dental cleaning a necessary thing? Find out in this blog...
The Importance of Routine Dental Cleaning
What is the big deal about scheduling those routine dental cleanings, anyway? Any dentist will tell you that
regular cleaning is crucial to your overall oral health, and general health too.
Regular dental cleaning ensures your teeth and, most specifically, your gums remain in good health. Gum disease is a tricky condition to detect, but with regular teeth cleaning, you can keep it at bay.
It's also important to keep your teeth intact by removing the build-up of plaque and tartar which accumulates on the outer layer of the teeth over time. It's this build-up that can lead to eventual tooth decay and even tooth loss.
Dental cleaning is also a great way to keep your teeth stain-free and pearly white, so you can be proud of your smile.
Your oral health has a direct effect on your general health, as mentioned. In some cases, it can even increase your risk of developing serious conditions
such as diabetes and heart disease.
What To Expect From a Dental Cleaning Appointment
So, once you've made your appointment, you may be wondering what to expect if this is your first time going for a dental cleaning. Essentially, it's a check-up of your teeth and your overall oral health. Here's how it works:
1. A Basic Check-Up
During your teeth cleaning appointment, your dentist has a chance to look at your oral health and examine your mouth for any potential issues. He/she will use a small mirror instrument to take a look at your teeth and gum health.
Your dentist will look for signs of gingivitis, which include gum inflammation, tenderness, and bleeding. They will also look for other potential problems such as loose/faulty fillings and mouth lesions.
Basically, this is a good chance for your dentist to assess your oral health and catch any problems before they develop into serious dental issues.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal
This is the part of your dental cleaning appointment that tends to take the longest. Your dentist uses a tool called a scraper to remove plaque build-up from the outside layer of your teeth. They will also get into those hard-to-reach areas that you might miss, even if you floss regularly.
Tartar is a substance that develops if plaque lingers on the teeth. Once your dentist completes the plaque removal, they will look for signs of tartar build-up. Also known as calculus, tartar develops when plaque combines with saliva, which then hardens and forms tartar.
Tartar is generally yellow or brownish in color and can contribute to the development of major teeth issues such as tooth loss and receding gum lines.
3. Teeth Polishing and Flossing
Once your dentist completes the plaque and tartar removal, they will move on to polishing your pearly whites. To do so, your dentist applies a gritty toothpaste and uses a rotating polishing tool.
The toothpaste, which is mildly abrasive, also helps to remove lingering plaque and tartar. After the polish, your teeth get a good flossing. This is a crucial step as it removes any debris the toothpaste might have left behind during the polishing step.
During this process, your dentist gets into the hard-to-reach, very tight spots that you might miss. If you have gum bleeding in certain areas, your dentist will also recommend some tips to improve your oral health to reduce bleeding.
Oral Health Care Tips In-Between Cleanings
There's plenty of time that may pass between your dental cleanings, whether you go every 6 or 12 months, a lot can happen inside your mouth. This is why you want to stay on top of your oral health in-between your cleanings, too.
Some top tips include:
- Make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day -- morning and night
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Use a high-quality mouthwash that keeps plaque build-up and bacteria at bay
If you notice anything off about your oral health, such as sudden toothache or gum pain, don't wait until your next appointment to see your dentist, which could be months away. Call your dentist and schedule a check-up as soon as you can!
Sparkle Dental: Your Preventative Dental Hygiene Experts
If you're due to schedule a routine dental cleaning, Sparkle Dental is the practice for you and your family. We are passionate about your oral health and provide the highest quality dental practices to prove it.
Looking for cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, dental crowns, or an extraction? We offer all of these services too.
Contact us for all your dental needs.
