One of the simplest and most important ways to prevent cavities and improve your oral health overall is through dental cleaning. Regular dental cleaning will also improve how your teeth look, preserve the long term health of your teeth and the health of your gums is through a routine professional cleaning.
Dental Cleanings Lead to Good Dental Health
No matter how perfect your dental hygiene may be at home, eventually plaque will build up on your teeth. When it’s not removed by at-home brushing, plaque then hardens into sticky tartar or turns into even harder calculus, both of which can only be removed through a professional dental cleaning.
And if not removed through professional cleaning, the germs that can cause gum disease and tooth decay located within the tartar can lead to dental problems. A smooth and clean surface on your teeth makes it harder for new plaque and tartar to form, and prevents subsequent problems. Dental cleaning removes tartar and calculus and is followed by your dental hygienist polishing your tooth enamel, both of which are great for your teeth.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene at Home
Naturally, along with professional dental cleaning, you also play a big part in keeping your teeth healthy by practicing good oral hygiene at home. This means brushing your teeth for two minutes morning and night, to remove food debris and plaque that otherwise accumulates.
Be sure to brush both the fronts and backs of all your teeth, and the chewing surfaces where plaque is the most likely to accumulate. Always use a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You can floss either before or after brushing, making sure to carefully reach up or down all the way to the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. You can also help keep your oral health strong by using a mouthwash that prevents bacteria from forming.
What Are the Steps of Professional Dental Cleaning?
Professional dental cleaning begins with your hygienist using safe metal instruments to scrape tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth. Having frequent cleanings mean less plaque, which also means there’s less pressure necessary when scaling teeth, which reduces the possibility of discomfort.
Frequency of Dental Cleanings
So, exactly how often should you get your teeth cleaned every year? That depends on your own needs. Your dentist can tell you what is best for your teeth. While some patients need to visit their dental team once a year, others may require a visit every six months, or every three months. It depends on you!
But, while everyone is different, twice annual dental cleanings are usually recommended. They’re an important part of preventative care. These twice yearly cleanings are usually covered by insurance, too, so it’s a cost-effective way to keep your teeth at their best. Remember, regardless of how thorough your own at-home dental care may be, you can’t prevent plaque and tartar altogether, so it’s very important not to skip regular professional dental cleaning.
Learn More about Dental Cleaning
To learn more about dental cleaning, or if you’re ready to schedule a cleaning, just reach on out to us today. We’re here to help!