Keeping good dental hygiene at home, such as brushing and flossing, is essential for a healthy smile. However, even with the best oral care routine, there will always be hard-to-reach areas where plaque and tartar can accumulate. This is where professional dental cleaning plays a crucial role—not only improving the aesthetics of your smile but also preventing serious issues like cavities and gum disease.
In this article, we’ll explain why professional dental cleanings are so important, what to expect during a cleaning, and how often you should schedule one.
What Is a professional dental cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning is a procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and below the gumline. This procedure is much more thorough than daily brushing and flossing, as it uses specialized tools to reach areas that are difficult to clean at home.
A typical dental cleaning includes the following steps:
- Initial dental exam: The dental professional evaluates your teeth and gums for signs of issues like cavities, gingivitis, or tartar buildup.
- Scaling: Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and areas below the gumline using specialized instruments.
- Tooth polishing: An abrasive toothpaste is used to polish the teeth, removing surface stains and leaving a fresh, smooth feeling.
- Rinsing and fluoride (optional): In some cases, a final rinse or fluoride application is done to strengthen enamel and prevent future cavities.
Why are professional dental cleanings important?
Despite a solid oral hygiene routine at home, professional cleaning is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Here are some key reasons to include this procedure in your dental care:
1. Prevention of cavities
Plaque buildup is the primary cause of cavities. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to eliminate and can damage enamel. A professional cleaning removes these accumulations, significantly reducing the risk of cavities.
2. Prevention of gum disease
Tartar buildup below the gumline can cause inflammation and lead to diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis. Regular cleanings help prevent these issues and keep your gums healthy.
3. Early detection of oral issues
During a cleaning, the dentist can detect problems like early-stage cavities, gum disease, or even signs of oral cancer. Catching these issues early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
4. Removal of stains for a brighter smile
Coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods can stain your teeth over time. Professional cleanings help remove these surface stains, leaving your teeth looking brighter and cleaner.
5. Improved breath
The buildup of bacteria on teeth and gums can cause bad breath. A professional cleaning removes these bacteria, leaving your mouth feeling fresh for longer.
6. Benefits to overall health
Oral health is directly linked to overall health. Oral infections, such as periodontitis, have been associated with systemic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy complications. Maintaining a clean and healthy mouth supports overall well-being.
How often should you get a professional dental cleaning?
The recommended frequency for professional dental cleanings may vary depending on individual needs. However, most people should schedule a cleaning every six months. This frequency helps prevent tartar buildup and the onset of oral health issues.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings, such as every three or four months. This is common for individuals who:
- Have gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Are at high risk for cavities.
- Wear orthodontic appliances, which make thorough cleaning more difficult.
- Smoke or have habits that increase plaque and tartar accumulation.
What happens if you skip regular dental cleanings?
Skipping dental cleanings can lead to negative consequences for your oral health, such as:
- Excessive tartar buildup: Tartar is harder to remove than plaque and can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Advanced gum disease: Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, potentially leading to tooth loss.
- Aesthetic issues: Stains on teeth become harder to remove over time, affecting the appearance of your smile.
- General health risks: Oral infections can impact other areas of the body, increasing the risk of systemic health complications.
How to maintain results after a dental cleaning
To prolong the benefits of a professional dental cleaning, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene at home. Here are some tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, making sure to clean all tooth surfaces and along the gumline.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris between teeth.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can damage enamel.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and stimulate saliva production.
- Use mouthwash if needed, especially if recommended by your dentist.
Conclusion
Professional dental cleanings are an essential part of dental care. Beyond aesthetics, this procedure helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can affect your quality of life. Scheduling cleanings regularly, alongside maintaining good hygiene at home, is key to a healthy, radiant smile.
Don’t wait for problems to arise before visiting the dentist. Schedule your dental cleaning today at Beamann dental clinic in CDMX and enjoy the benefits of a clean and healthy mouth. Remember, your smile is one of your best assets!