Preventive dental care helps you avoid oral health emergencies, unnecessary tooth pain, and expensive dental work. Routine professional teeth cleanings are key to successful preventive dental care.
Here at Advanced Care Dentistry, Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, emphasizes the importance of routine professional teeth cleanings.
If you wonder why you should visit the dentist every six months, especially if you practice good oral hygiene at home, read on. We’ll explain why you should prioritize these regular appointments to maintain your dental health and your overall well-being.
Professional teeth cleanings involve thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums by a dental hygienist or dentist. This process is much more detailed and thorough than what you can achieve with regular brushing and flossing at home.
During a cleaning, your provider briefly examines your mouth to check for any signs of problems such as gingivitis or cavities. The hygienist removes any plaque your toothbrush has missed; plaque can build up and harden into tartar, which can only be removed with special dental tools. They use a scaler to reach around your gumline and between your teeth.
After scaling, your hygienist polishes your teeth with a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste. This step helps to remove any remaining plaque and stains, leaving your teeth smooth and shiny.
Your cleaning ends with a professional flossing to clean the spaces between your teeth thoroughly and a rinse to wash away any residual particles.
We’ll also ask if you’d like a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth against cavities until your next visit.
Good at-home hygiene is important, but it isn't a substitute for professional cleanings.
Plaque buildup is the leading cause of cavities and gum disease. Regular cleanings prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, which can lead to more serious dental issues like gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss and has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
The hygienist and dentist can spot early signs of issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer during your cleaning. Early detection means simpler and more cost-effective treatment options.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup. Regular cleanings help maintain fresh breath by thoroughly cleaning teeth and gums.
Professional cleanings remove many stains from your teeth caused by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. This helps to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. If you want an even more sparkling smile, ask about our teeth-whitening services.
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Poor dental hygiene can contribute to serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Regular cleanings help to maintain good oral health, which supports your overall physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Marxen recommends visiting our office every six months. However, you may need more frequent cleanings if you have specific dental health issues, such as periodontal disease. We can advise you on the best schedule for your needs.
Between professional cleanings, remember to brush twice daily and floss at least once per day. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce plaque and keep your breath fresh.
Regular cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy and contribute to your overall health and well-being. We here at Advanced Care Dentistry help you stay current on your dental cleanings and encourage you to practice good oral hygiene at home so you can enjoy a bright, healthy smile for years to come.
If it’s time for your next cleaning or you have any questions about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Call Advanced Care Dentistry or use this website to book an appointment.
