Why Is Professional Dental Cleaning Important for Oral Health?
Having a professional clean your teeth is an important part of maintaining good oral health, which is important for your overall health and well-being. Professional dental cleaning, also called teeth cleaning, happens with a dental hygienist or a dentist.
In addition, these cleanings go above and beyond what we can do at home with brushing and flossing.
Discover why professional dental cleaning is important.
Remove Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that forms on the teeth regularly. If you don’t remove plaque, it hardens into tartar, which only a dental hygienist or dentist can remove. Tartar can form above and below the gumline, giving bacteria a place to grow.
During professional cleanings, special tools remove plaque and tartar from all teeth surfaces. The tools help keep gum disease and tooth decay from happening.
Prevent Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums and the structures that support the teeth. Gum disease is progressive, which means that if you don’t treat it, it will worsen over time.
Gingivitis is a gum disease with red, swollen, and bleeding gums. In addition, if you don’t treat gingivitis, it can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis separates the gums from the teeth, resulting in infected pockets. The infection kills the bone and connective tissue holding the teeth, and this can cause the teeth to fall out.
Detect Oral Health Problems Early
During a professional dental cleaning, the dental hygienist or dentist will carefully check your teeth and gums for any signs of oral health problems. They will look for cavities, cracks, and enamel wear on your teeth, as well as the health of your gums.
They may also take X-rays to better understand the insides of your teeth and jaw. When dentists can find and fix problems as soon as possible, these problems don’t get worse and cost more. For example, a dentist prefers to fill a small cavity before it grows into a larger and more expensive problem.
Make Your Smile Shine
Besides removing surface stains, professional dental cleanings can help brighten your smile. The dental hygienist may suggest using a special toothpaste or mouthwash to eliminate stains and stop new ones from forming.
The dentist may also recommend in-office teeth whitening treatments, which use a stronger bleaching agent to remove deeper stains and brighten the teeth.
Improve Overall Health
The link between oral and overall health is well established. Heart disease, stroke, and other health problems are associated with poor oral health.
Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy complications have all been linked to oral inflammation. A dental cleaning can help lower your risk of these and other health problems.
Save Money
Professional dental cleanings can help you avoid costly dental procedures, saving you money in the long run. Regular cleanings can help uncover and stop other problems with your oral health, such as cavities and gum disease.
During a cleaning, if a dental hygienist sees worn enamel or signs of teeth grinding (bruxism), they may suggest treatment to stop more damage and the need for more expensive procedures. Fillings, crowns, and implants also last longer if you regularly clean your teeth.
Come to Apollo Dental if you are ready to take the first step toward better oral health. Our highly trained dental staff is committed to giving you the best care possible and helping you get a healthy, bright smile. We offer professional dental cleanings to help you maintain good oral hygiene. Contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier you.
