Were you aware that regular tooth brushing and flossing isn’t the sole aspect of maintaining optimal oral hygiene? Regular visits to your dentist for routine cleanings are equally vital for your overall oral health. Today, our team at Boger Dental will explain: What are the benefits of professional teeth cleaning?
How It Works
A professional cleaning, also referred to as dental prophylaxis, typically involves several steps upon your arrival at the office to see one of our excellent doctors:
- Assessment: The dental hygienist will start by evaluating your overall health by examining your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. They may also review your medical history and address any concerns or issues you may have before the appointment.
- Scaling: Using specialized instruments, the hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. This process is essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
- Polishing: Following scaling, the dental hygienist will polish your teeth using a gritty toothpaste and a high-powered toothbrush or polishing tool. This step aims to eliminate surface stains and smooth the tooth surfaces, making it more difficult for plaque to accumulate.
- Flossing: The hygienist will then floss between your teeth to eliminate any plaque or debris that may have been overlooked during scaling and polishing. Flossing helps clean areas that are challenging to reach with a toothbrush.
- Fluoride Treatment (Optional): Depending on your susceptibility to cavities, your dentist may administer a fluoride treatment on your teeth. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and can aid in preventing tooth decay.
- Oral Hygiene Instructions: Before you depart, the dental hygienist and dentist will offer you tailored oral hygiene instructions, including advice on brushing, flossing, and maintaining optimal oral health at home.
Benefits to Your Health
Regular dental cleanings offer numerous benefits to your overall oral and even bodily health:
- Early Detection of Dental Issues: During a cleaning, dentists have the opportunity to identify early signs of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and teeth grinding. Early detection enables prompt treatment, preventing further complications.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Despite consistent brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate on teeth, solidifying into tartar over time. Professional cleaning effectively removes this buildup, preventing issues such as cavities and halitosis.
- Prevention of Gum Disease: Excess bacteria in plaque and tartar can irritate the gums, leading to gum disease. Cleaning removes these irritants, reducing the risk of gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
- Fresher Breath: Plaque and tartar buildup emits unpleasant odors, causing bad breath. Removing this bacteria results in fresher breath.
- Stain Removal: Professional cleaning eliminates surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and certain foods, enhancing the whiteness and brightness of teeth.
- Improved Oral Health: Research suggests a correlation between oral health and systemic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with professional cleanings may reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Tartar buildup can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and decay. Regular cleanings help preserve tooth structure integrity, reducing the need for extensive dental procedures like fillings, crowns, or extractions.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Investing in preventive dental care, including professional cleanings, can lead to cost savings by minimizing the need for expensive restorative treatments and emergency dental care. It’s an investment in both oral health and overall well-being.
- Enhanced Professional Relationships: Regular visits to the dentist foster trusting relationships with the dental care team. Open communication allows for discussion of concerns or preferences, facilitating collaboration to achieve oral health goals.
- Peace of Mind for Parents: Scheduling regular dental cleanings provides reassurance for parents regarding their children’s oral health. This ensures that thorough cleanings are performed, even if children may be unpredictable or non-compliant with health practices.
A Key Step
Regular dental cleanings may seem routine, but they are more crucial than many realize. If you have dental insurance, check with your provider to determine if one or more cleanings are covered by your plan each year. Our office is here to address any questions you may have about this procedure or to assist you in scheduling your next visit.