You brush every day morning and night. You even floss — most days. Is it really necessary to take time out of your busy schedule to get to a professional cleaning?
The answer is a resounding yes. A professional teeth cleaning is one of the most important steps you can take in preserving your dental health and preventing complications.
At Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington, we want you to understand why it’s important to make an appointment to see us at least two times per year for cleanings. When you know what kind of investment you’re making in your oral health, the appointments are easier to schedule and keep.
Although at-home brushing and flossing are critical to your long-term oral health, the in-office cleaning is too. During this visit, your hygienist is able to reach and clean all the nooks and crannies that you inevitably miss.
You miss them not because of carelessness, but rather because some spaces in the back of your mouth and between the teeth just can’t be reached effectively without the use of professional tools. If you have bite misalignments and/or crooked teeth, there are even more secret spaces for food particles and plaque to hide.
It’s important for you to get rid of all the plaque on your teeth as it’s the primary cause of tooth decay. If you let it erode the protective layer of enamel on your teeth, cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay follow.
Gum disease is a serious problem. Almost half of adults aged 30 or older have some form of gum disease.
During an in-office cleaning, your hygienist and doctor can identify redness and mild swelling in your gums that indicates gingivitis. You may think the sensitivity in your gums is normal, but the presence of gingivitis means you’re at risk of developing full-blown gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Professional cleanings help get rid of the plaque and tartar causing your gum irritation. These office visits are also a time that we can remind you how to keep your mouth as clean as possible at home to eradicate the gingivitis.
Part of your professional cleanings include periodic X-rays of your jaw and teeth. We can see if you have wisdom teeth coming in or issues of decay below the gum line that haven’t yet caused you symptoms, but will in the future if not treated.
We can create a treatment plan for you to ensure your smile stays beautiful and healthy.
You may have the best at-home hygiene habits, but coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods or beverages can still discolor your teeth. A professional cleaning can’t eradicate all these stains, but can help give you a more sparkling smile. Plus, these routine appointments are a great time for you to discuss professional whitening options.
Hidden bits of plaque and food contribute to less-than-fresh breath, too. Even if you use a mouthwash at home, these hidden bits sabotage your efforts and cause chronic bad breath. Routine professional cleanings keep bad breath at bay, so you always have a fresh smile.
If it’s been six months or longer since your last cleaning, it’s time to make an appointment and make regular dental cleanings a part of your personal healthcare routine. Call Advanced Care Dentistry to schedule or use the online tool.
