What Is Dental Cleanings?
It is a dental procedure in preventive dentistry that entails professionally cleaning the oral cavity. The procedure is done by a dentist or dental hygienist. The focus is to remove any plaque and tartar while eliminating any harmful bacteria in your mouth. Some of the dental protocols that comprise professional teeth whitening include:- Teeth brushing – the dentist will use an electric-powered toothbrush to clean all the surfaces of your mouth. The good news is that the dentist can reach the hard-to-reach portions of your mouth.
- Flossing – dental flossing in a clinic is much more thorough than what you can accomplish by yourself at home.
- Fluoride treatment – to layer your teeth’ enamel with a mineral that keeps teeth strong.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Even though you brush and floss your teeth at home, you need a dentist at Family Dental Care – Calumet City to clean your oral cavity every once in a while. Professional dental cleaning is different from brushing your teeth at home for the following reasons:- Dental exam – even before your dentist or dental hygienist can start cleaning your mouth, and you need a dental exam. The exam allows your dentist to evaluate the state of your oral cavity. It makes the perfect opportunity to detect any anomalies in your mouth, including lingering infections.
- Plaque and tartar removal – dental cleaning entails procedures like root planing and scaling that you cannot do for yourself at home. These procedures are crucial for scrapping off the dental callus.
- Fluoride treatment after cleaning – the dentist applies a fluoride varnish on your teeth. It mineralizes your teeth, keeping them strong for long. Besides, fluoride is also a great element for increasing your teeth’ resistance to bacteria that cause dental cavities and infections.
- To prevent dental infections – other than tooth cavities, you need regular dental cleanings to fight gum disease. While it is a common type of dental infection, many patients go undiagnosed and untreated for a long time. The result is an advanced infection called periodontitis. Dental cleaning allows the dentist to remove plaque and tartar in your gum line, reducing the risk of pockets forming that indicate gum recession.
- Brighter teeth – even though dental cleaning does not entail teeth whitening, you will be shocked at the appearance of your smile after the cleaning session. Plaque and tartar contribute a great deal to the yellowing of teeth. When cleaned out, your teeth will be whiter and brighter than before.
- Tips for proper oral hygiene – after professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will give you a few tips essential for excelling in your oral hygiene at home. These tips can entail the best products to use and detail the correct protocols to maximize the products.
How Often Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Professional dental cleanings are not supposed to be a daily service. It should take about 3-6 months before you need another dental cleaning session. However, some patients may need the cleanings after nine or 12 months. It depends on your preferences and your oral hygiene routines at home.What to Do In-Between Dental Cleanings
One professional teeth cleaning is not enough to excel in dental health. You must follow the cleaning up with other health dental routines at home. Besides, it will take some time before you need another dental cleaning treatment in a dentist’s office in Calumet City. Some of the things you should be doing in-between the dental cleanings are:- Daily flossing – remove plaque and food debris between your teeth and near the gum line every day.
- Brushing teeth at least twice every day – if you can, brush your teeth after every meal. Ensure you get a good quality toothbrush that is not too abrasive to harm your teeth or too soft that it doesn’t clean your teeth well. While at it, secure a fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
- Eat healthily – a healthy diet is not just to ensure you get the necessary nutrients in your body. While that is important, a healthy diet is also low in sugars and acids that may damage your teeth’ enamels.
- Drink plenty of water – water is great for neutralizing acidity in your mouth while washing away wastes and toxins.