Importance of Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings not only keep our teeth white and bright, but they also play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. Unfortunately, many Americans haven’t seen the dentist in the past year, and the consequences of such a gap between cleanings can be detrimental. Read this blog from Westside Dental Studio to find out why dental cleanings are so important and shouldn’t be viewed as optional. 

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How Dental Cleanings Prevent Serious Oral Health Problems

When you come in for a dental cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar buildup from above the gum line and brush and floss your teeth. This prevents tooth decay and gum disease. While you’re here, we also examine your teeth to look for early warning signs of oral health problems so we can catch them while they’re still reversible. 

Before your cleaning, we’ll look for signs of tooth decay and oral cancer. At the end of your cleaning, we’ll apply fluoride varnish to your teeth to protect them from cavities. By removing food particles and bacterial plaque and tartar, we reduce your risk for other serious medical conditions too. 

There is a very clear link between your oral health and your overall health. Patients who develop gum disease are much more likely to develop conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. 

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Other Benefits of Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings also remove tooth stains to reduce discoloration, revealing a whiter smile. This can sometimes replace the need for teeth whitening. A cleaning is also a minimally invasive and cost-effective way to invest in your oral health. 

Preventative dental care also receives the highest coverage from dental insurance. Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath. By removing this buildup, you can improve the appearance of your teeth and the odor of your breath.

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How Often Should I Get a Dental Cleaning?

The American Dental Association recommends that you get a dental cleaning every 6 months. Returning to the dentist every 6 months has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. 

While each person is slightly different and may be more or less prone to developing oral health problems, this is a general recommendation that applies to most people. Those with conditions that increase their risk of cavities, such as dry mouth, diabetes, acid reflux, and pregnant women may need a cleaning every 3 months. Speak to your dentist about what works best for you.

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How to Clean Your Teeth at Home

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth. Harder bristles don’t clean your teeth more thoroughly, they only cause enamel erosion. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for 2 to 3 minutes to thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria. 

Don’t forget to floss once a day. This is the only way to thoroughly remove food particles that get stuck between the teeth. The spaces between your teeth account for ⅓ of the teeth surfaces in your mouth, so neglecting them greatly increases your risk for cavities. Drink fluoridated water to strengthen your enamel and reduce your consumption of sugar.