Maintain Your Oral Health with Dental Cleanings

Getting a dental cleaning according to your dentist’s recommendation can help keep your oral health intact. This treatment can remove the substances that can deteriorate teeth and gums. It can also prevent many dental problems from taking hold. Here are the details on how a dental cleaning can help maintain oral health.

The different types

Regular dental cleaning can remove the buildup of stuck bacteria and food particles in the mouth. The dentist will perform a physical dental exam at the same time. Performing preventive treatments often comes after the cleaning. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are common preventive treatments. The following are the different types of cleanings a dentist can provide depending on the patient’s dental needs:

• Scaling and root planing are also referred to as deep dental cleaning. This treatment involves reaching underneath the gumline to remove the hardened tartar and bacteria around the dental roots. This type of cleaning is for people with mild to moderate gum disease. Local anesthesia will numb the gums before this procedure begins.
• Prophylaxis is a preventive cleaning for individuals with healthy gums and teeth. This is the most popular type of dental cleaning.
• Gross debridement is for patients who have not been at the dentist for at least a year. This treatment removes an extensive buildup of plaque. It is like dental prophylaxis but may take longer. The main goal of debridement is to see if there are any dental issues before the dental cleaning.

The frequency

The dentist will recommend regular intervals for an individual to have dental cleanings. Many people get a dental cleaning two times a year. This schedule can change based on the patient’s oral needs. Follow the set schedule even if the individual’s daily oral care habits are ideal.

The benefits of a regular dental cleaning

Seeing the dentist for regular dental cleaning can maintain good oral health in many ways. Scheduling these visits with busy schedules and demanding lifestyles may be difficult. However, keeping one’s dental cleaning appointments can bring many benefits. The following are the benefits of getting a regular cleaning:

Stops tooth loss

Studies show that gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adult patients. Progressing plaque buildup can reach the dental roots and jawbone. This will loosen teeth. Later, these teeth will fall out. One’s risk of tooth loss will be reduced with regular cleanings. The dentist can also spot early signs of gum disease and begin early treatments.

Prevents cavity formation

Plaque buildup is evident because of the sticky, whitish film that coats the teeth. This substance contains bacterial acids that erode the enamel. Without regular dental cleaning, plaque will turn into tartar. The dentist has tools and techniques to remove plaque and tartar.

Freshens breath

A dental cleaning every six months can prevent chronic bad breath. Brushing, flossing, and cleaning appointments with the dentist can keep the mouth odor-free.

Brightens the smile

Consuming staining drinks and foods can discolor teeth. Using tobacco products can also leave stains on teeth. Regular dental cleaning can remove stains and discoloration. The patient goes home with whiter, brighter teeth.