Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall health, and dental cleaning is an integral part of it. Regular dental cleanings, brushing, and flossing can prevent dental issues and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here’s why you must prioritize regular dental cleanings and how they can help prevent dental problems.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleaning is a dental hygienist’s professional cleaning of teeth and gums. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. The cleaning process includes scaling, which removes hardened plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line. The dental hygienist also polishes the teeth to remove surface stains and smooth out rough spots.
Why is Dental Cleaning Important?
Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in the plaque produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Regular dental cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing cavities and tooth decay.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum diseases usually begin with gingivitis, which causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can develop to periodontitis, leading to tooth misplacement. Luckily, getting your teeth cleaned by dentists can prevent and treat gum disease by eliminating plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums.
Preventing Bad Breath
Many people suffer from bad breath, which can be caused by various factors such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods. Scheduling a cleaning session with your dentist can help prevent bad breath by removing any buildup of plaque and tartar that can harbor bacteria and cause odor.
Maintaining a Bright Smile
Regular dental cleanings can help maintain a bright smile by removing surface stains and polishing the teeth. Over time, the teeth can become discolored due to smoking, drinking coffee or tea, or aging. Dental cleanings can remove these stains and keep your smile bright and healthy.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Dental hygienists use tools to clean teeth and gums by removing plaque and tartar buildup, including scaling and ultrasonic scalers. After scaling, the hygienist will polish your teeth using special toothpaste and a rotating brush. The polishing process removes surface stains and smooths out rough spots on the teeth. Finally, the hygienist may apply fluoride to your teeth to help prevent tooth decay.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
It is recommended by the American Dental Association that individuals receive dental cleanings every six months, but this may differ based on personal needs. In cases where someone has a history of dental issues like gum disease or cavities, their dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings.
Final Thoughts
Dental cleaning is essential to maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems. If you haven’t had a dental cleaning, now is the time to schedule one. Talk to your dentist about how often you should get a dental cleaning based on your needs. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Experience a brighter smile with Family Dental of Westborough’s top-tier dental cleaning in Westborough. Say goodbye to stubborn stains and hello to healthier teeth with our expert dental care services. Book your appointment now to achieve a happier and healthier smile today!
