Maintaining a healthy, radiant smile goes beyond brushing and flossing. Regular dental cleanings are a critical part of your oral care routine. Without regular cleanings, you put your dental health at risk. You are vulnerable to dental issues and impacts on your overall well-being.
The Foundation of Good Oral Health
Dental cleanings form the foundation of a healthy smile. They are professional treatments performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. These sessions are essential for keeping your teeth and gums in top-notch condition.
During these cleanings, your dental team will remove harmful plaque and bacteria. Also, they will likely take X-rays of your mouth to get a full picture of your oral health.
Why Dental Cleanings Are Necessary
Plaque and Tartar Removal: Even with diligent brushing and flossing, some plaque and tartar can build up. Cleanings ensure these harmful substances keep from damaging your oral health. Furthermore, cleanings help prevent and detect gum disease early. This reduces the risk of complications.
Your hygienist can polish away stains from food, drinks, and tobacco during a cleaning. This leaves you with a brighter smile.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Understanding what happens during a dental cleaning can ease any anxiety you may have about your appointment.
Step 1: Examination
Your dental hygienist or dentist will begin by examining your mouth to assess your oral health. They will look for signs of gum disease, cavities, or other issues.
Step 2: Scaling
Using special tools, the hygienist will then carefully remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They will pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas.
Step 3: Polishing
After scaling, your teeth will also be polished to remove surface stains and leave them smooth and shiny. This step is what gives your teeth that sparkling, clean feeling.
Step 4: Flossing
Yes, even at the dentist’s office, they’ll floss your teeth! This step ensures that no debris is left between your teeth.
Step 5: Fluoride Treatment
In some cases, your dental professional may apply a fluoride treatment. This helps also strengthen your tooth enamel and provides added protection against decay.
How Often Should You Get Cleanings?
The frequency of your dental cleanings depends on your oral health needs. For most people, your dentist will recommend cleanings every six months. But, your dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings if you have certain conditions, such as gum disease or a history of cavities.
Therefore, regularity is key to reaping the benefits of cleanings.
Special Considerations
Children: Children and teenagers may need cleanings every six months to a year, depending on their oral health.
Adults with Dental Issues: If you have dental problems, your dentist may also suggest more cleanings.
The Connection Between Oral and Overall Health
Good oral health through regular dental cleanings doesn’t just benefit your smile. It greatly impacts your overall well-being. For example, your oral health can cause several health conditions.
Heart Health: Research connects poor oral health to heart disease and other heart issues.
Diabetes: People with diabetes may find it easier to manage their condition with healthy gums and teeth.
Respiratory Health: Oral infections can lead to respiratory issues, such as pneumonia.