Maintaining a healthy and radiant smile goes beyond daily brushing and flossing. While these habits are essential, professional dental cleaning is crucial to remove built-up tartar, prevent oral diseases, and keep your gums in optimal condition.
If you’re wondering why it’s important to visit the dentist regularly for a dental cleaning and how it can benefit your oral health, this article is for you. Discover everything you need to know about professional dental cleaning and why you should include it in your oral care routine.
What is a professional dental cleaning and what does it involve?
A professional dental cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, is a procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that daily brushing cannot completely eliminate.
During this procedure, the specialist uses ultrasonic tools and other instruments to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums, ensuring the removal of any plaque buildup that could lead to oral diseases.
Why is professional dental cleaning so important?
Even with a good oral hygiene routine at home, it’s not always enough to eliminate tartar and prevent problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Here are the main reasons why you should have regular professional cleanings:
1. Prevents plaque and tartar buildup
Bacterial plaque continuously forms on teeth, and if not properly removed, it hardens into tartar. Tartar can only be eliminated with professional tools, as brushing and flossing alone are not enough.
2. Reduces the risk of gum disease
Swollen or bleeding gums when brushing may be a sign of gingivitis, a condition that, if left untreated, can develop into periodontitis. Professional dental cleaning helps keep gums healthy and prevent these issues.
3. Helps prevent cavities
By removing plaque and tartar buildup, the likelihood of developing cavities is significantly reduced, preventing the need for more invasive treatments in the future.
4. Removes stains and improves the appearance of teeth
Over time, teeth can develop stains due to coffee, tea, tobacco, or certain foods. Professional cleaning helps restore the natural color of your teeth and enhances the overall appearance of your smile.
5. Combats bad breath
Bad breath can be caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth. Removing them with a professional cleaning helps reduce this problem and keeps your breath fresh for longer.
6. Contributes to overall health
Oral health is closely linked to general health. Oral infections can affect other organs in the body and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or pregnancy complications.
How often is a professional dental cleaning recommended?
Most dentists recommend having a professional dental cleaning every six months. However, the frequency may vary depending on each patient. In cases of gum disease or excessive tartar buildup, the specialist may suggest more frequent cleanings.
If you haven’t had a cleaning in over a year, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to ensure your oral health is in optimal condition.
What is the procedure for a professional dental cleaning?
The professional cleaning procedure is quick and comfortable. It is performed during a visit with a dentist or dental hygienist and includes the following steps:
1. Initial evaluation
The dentist examines the overall condition of the mouth, checking for signs of inflammation, cavities, or tartar buildup.
2. Removal of tartar and plaque
Using ultrasonic tools and dental scalers, the specialist removes tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line.
3. Polishing the teeth
A special paste is used to polish the teeth and remove surface stains, leaving a clean and fresh feeling.
4. Fluoride application (optional)
In some cases, the dentist applies a fluoride gel to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
The procedure usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes and is completely painless.
Tips for maintaining results after a dental cleaning
To prolong the benefits of a professional cleaning, follow these tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove debris between your teeth.
- Limit excessive consumption of coffee, tea, and tobacco to prevent staining.
- Maintain a balanced diet, reducing sugar and refined carbohydrate intake.
- Drink plenty of water to stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth hydrated.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor your oral health.
Conclusion
A professional dental cleaning not only keeps your smile bright but is also key to preventing issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Incorporating it into your oral care routine will help maintain optimal oral health in the long run.
At Beamann Hobbs CDMX, we have dental health specialists ready to help you maintain your smile in top condition. Schedule your dental cleaning with us and experience the benefits of a healthy, radiant mouth. We look forward to seeing you!
