Dental cleaning is a simple and vitally important way to prevent cavities and improve your oral health, as well as improving how your teeth look. In fact, one of the best ways to prevent cavities and preserve the health of your teeth and gums is through a regular, routine, professional cleaning.
Regular Dental Cleanings Mean Good Dental Health
Even if you practice letter-perfect dental hygiene at home, eventually plaque builds up on your teeth. When not removed by at-home brushing, plaque will harden into sticky tartar or turn to even harder calculus - both of which can only be removed through professional dental cleaning.
If not removed, the germs that can cause gum disease and tooth decay – which are in the tartar - can lead to a variety of dental problems. Dental cleaning removes tartar and calculus and is followed by your dental hygienist polishing your tooth enamel. A smooth, clean surface makes it harder for new plaque and tartar deposits to form.
Good Oral Hygiene at Home
Of course, along with professional dental cleaning, keeping your teeth healthy also depends on practicing good oral hygiene at home. Be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes every morning and night, in order to remove food debris and plaque that accumulates.
And, remember to brush both the fronts and backs of all your teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces where plaque is most likely to accumulate. Use a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss before or after brushing, carefully reaching up or down to the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. Using a mouthwash that prevents bacteria can also help keep your oral health in great shape.
What Does Professional Dental Cleaning Involve?
Getting a professional dental cleaning starts with your hygienist using safe metal instruments to scrape tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth. Frequent cleanings mean less plaque, and less pressure when scaling teeth, reducing the possibility of discomfort.
How Often are Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Exactly how many times a year you should get your teeth cleaned professionally depends on your specific needs. Everyone is different. Some patients will need to visit their dental team once a year, others every nine months, every six months, or every three months.
While everyone is different, twice annual dental cleanings are often recommended, and are an important part of preventative care. Those twice yearly cleanings are usually covered by insurance, and are simple to schedule. No matter how thorough your own at-home dental care, you can’t prevent plaque and tartar all together, so it’s important not to skip regular dental cleaning.
Ready to Learn More about Dental Cleaning?
If you’re ready to learn more about dental cleaning, and discover how often it's best for you to receive a professional cleaning, or you’re ready to schedule a cleaning, then your dental team at
Bridgeworks Family Dental Center is here to help. Give us a call today!