Healthy teeth are crucial to ensuring your overall health. If you don’t take care of your teeth properly, you could be putting yourself at risk for serious dental issues as well as other health problems.
Be sure to get your teeth professionally cleaned regularly as it can help prevent many common oral problems you may not even be aware of.
What is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional dental cleaning is a procedure where your dentist uses special tools and techniques to remove dental plaque from your teeth. This process helps keep your mouth healthy by removing bacteria and tartar buildup.
The process usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. During this time, your dentist will also check your mouth for any signs of gum disease, decay or cavities.
Different Types of Dental Cleanings
There are three different types of professional dental cleanings:
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- Prophylaxis Cleaning: Also known as routine cleaning, this type is recommended every six months and is usually performed on healthy patients to ensure optimal oral hygiene. Routine teeth cleaning aims to remove bacterial plaque and debris from between your teeth and under your gum line.
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- Scaling and Root Planning: This type of cleaning is used to treat areas of tooth decay or damage caused by periodontal disease. Scaling and root planning involve using a scaler to remove hard deposits (calculus) and polish away damaged tissue. Your dentist will also use a special tool to gently scrape away hardened material from around your roots.
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- Gross Debridement: This is usually done on people who have not visited their dentist in more than a year. Gross debridement involves scraping all loose calculus and debris beneath the gum line.
Importance of Dental Cleanings
Here are some reasons why having your teeth professionally cleaned is so important:
#1. It Removes Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Tartar and plaque build up over time can cause bad breath, stained teeth, and cavities. These substances can also lead to gum disease and infections. Professional cleaning removes these harmful substances from your teeth and gums.
#2. It Keeps Your Mouth Healthy
Your mouth is home to hundreds of different microorganisms. When you brush and floss daily, you’re helping to keep them under control. However, if you neglect to brush and floss, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Over time, this can result in tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Professional dental cleaning keeps your mouth healthy by removing harmful bacteria in your teeth and gums.
#3. It Reduces the Risk of Dental Infection and Disease
If you do not maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you increase your chances of developing gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. It’s also associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. To reduce your risk of developing gum disease, visit your dentist at least twice yearly for regular teeth cleanings.
#4. It Helps Detect Oral Health Problems Early
When you regularly visit your dentist, they can detect dental problems before they become serious. You can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease by visiting your dentist regularly. It is also a great chance for your dentist to detect early signs of oral cancer.
What to Expect From a Teeth Cleaning
A typical teeth cleaning includes the following steps:
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- Oral Exam: During your first appointment, your dentist will perform a dental exam. During this exam, they will check your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, jawline, and neck for signs of infection or other health conditions. You may also get digital x-rays so your dentist can see the parts of your mouth and gums that can’t be seen with a visual exam.
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- Removal of Plaque and Tartar: After your oral examination, your dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. You’ll hear a buzzing sound as the tool scrapes away the buildup. But don’t worry; this is normal!
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- Polishing: Next, your dentist will use a polisher to smooth out rough surfaces on your teeth.
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- Flossing: Your dentist will floss between each tooth using a special string. The goal is to remove food particles trapped between your teeth and residual paste left behind after cleaning. Your dentist will also instruct you on how to floss properly.
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- Rinsing: Finally, your dentist will rinse your mouth to remove debris and solutions used during the procedure.
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- Fluoride Treatment Application: At the end of your cleaning, your dentist may apply a topical fluoride gel to strengthen your tooth enamel. This protects your teeth against cavities and strengthens their structure.
After completing all the above steps, your dentist will conduct a final inspection of your mouth. Then, they will provide instructions on proper brushing techniques and when to return for another cleaning.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
It’s best to have your teeth professionally cleaned twice per year. But if you notice any changes in your oral health, such as a change in the color of your teeth, you should schedule a cleaning as soon as possible.
If you’re concerned about how often you need to get your teeth cleaned, ask your dental professional for recommendations based on your needs.
What Will Happen if You Don’t Get Your Teeth Cleaned Professionally?
Not getting your teeth cleaned regularly increases your risk of developing gum diseases. These conditions can lead to tooth loss and even more serious complications.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning Appointment at Tencza Dental
One of the best things you can do for your smile is to get regular dental care and cleanings every six months. Regular cleaning removes bacteria and plaque from your teeth and prevents them from becoming infected. It also makes your teeth look better by removing stains and whitening them.
At Tencza Dental, we want to help you achieve optimal dental health and beautiful smiles. To learn more about our practice, call us today!
