Regular professional teeth cleanings are an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health. While brushing and flossing at home are crucial, they cannot fully remove plaque and tartar buildup. A professional cleaning can help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems.
What to Expect During a Professional Cleaning
A typical teeth cleaning appointment usually involves the following steps:
- Oral Examination: Your dentist will begin by examining your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They may look for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
- Scaling: Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. It’s usually done with a metal scaler or a special ultrasonic device.
- Root Planing: If you have gum disease, your dentist may need to perform root planing. This involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth to help reduce bacteria buildup and promote healing.
- Polishing: After scaling and root planing, your teeth will be polished to remove any remaining plaque or tartar and to smooth the surfaces.
- Flossing and Fluoride Treatment: Your dentist may also floss your teeth and apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleanings
Regular professional teeth cleanings offer numerous benefits for your oral health, including:
- Prevention of Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem that can lead to tooth loss. Regular cleanings can help prevent and treat gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup.
- Reduced Risk of Cavities: Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugar and produce acid. Regular cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar, which can harbor these bacteria.
- Fresher Breath: Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath. Professional cleanings can help eliminate these sources of odor, leaving you with fresher breath.
- Improved Appearance: A clean smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Regular cleanings can help your teeth look their best.
- Early Detection of Oral Health Problems: Regular check-ups with your dentist can help detect oral health problems early, when they are easier to treat.
How Often Should You Get a Professional Cleaning?
The American Dental Association recommends that most people get a professional teeth cleaning every six months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if you have certain risk factors for gum disease or other oral health problems.
By scheduling regular professional teeth cleanings, you can help maintain optimal oral health and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
