When patients rigorously follow best practices for home oral hygiene, they may feel reluctant to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning. They may believe that because they take such good care of their teeth and have no visible problems, they do not need professional help.
Dental professionals want to emphasize the importance of teeth cleaning. A professional can remove hazardous buildup that patients miss. An office visit also allows your dentist to check for hidden conditions, such as gum disease, abscesses, and deep decay.
The Advantages of Professional Dental Cleaning
- Completely remove plaque and biofilm from visible tooth surfaces as well as below the gumline.
- Remove tartar (calculus) formed by plaque and food particles accumulating on teeth. This procedure is crucial below the gumline, where tartar can spur the development of gum disease.
- Polish away surface stains with a gritty, yet gentle, paste.
- Provide a fluoride treatment that can protect your teeth from future cavities.
- Assess your existing restorations for strength and longevity, and inform you whether any need replacement.
What Happens When You Miss a Professional Cleaning?
If you can achieve a satisfactory shine at home, you may feel you will not miss out by avoiding professional cleanings. However, clean teeth go beyond appearances and can affect your overall health and well-being if they are not cared for professionally.
Periodontal Disease
Since only a professional can remove tartar, this hard substance will continue to excrete bacterial waste products that enter between your teeth and gums. These waste products gradually break down the support structures holding your teeth in place. Over time, your teeth may begin to feel discomfort, it may hurt to chew, and they may become loose due to tissue damage.
Hidden Decay
You may have hidden tooth decay, especially between your teeth, if you do not floss as recommended. Left unchecked, this decay could worsen and endanger your tooth. You may need a costly root canal and restoration to preserve your smile.
Stains Develop
Even whitening toothpaste often fails to remove surface stains. Professional cleaning polishes these marks away and reveals your brightest natural smile.
Secure the Best Care for Your Teeth
If your overall goal is to keep your natural teeth throughout your lifetime, maintaining a regular schedule for professional cleanings is a must. Excellent oral hygiene is a good step toward healthy teeth, but like the rest of your body, teeth need professional care to maintain their strength.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings
How often should I receive a teeth cleaning?
Most patients should schedule cleaning and exam visits twice yearly or every six months.
How soon can I take my child to the dentist?
Recently, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommended that all children see a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth emerging. These early visits can provide crucial home care tips, track proper development, and gradually introduce your child to the dentist.
At Washington Park Family Dental, we want our patients to experience the joy of successful dental checkups. We provide gentle yet effective care close to home in Denver and beyond. Please contact us to schedule your cleaning today.