Dentists recommend that you get a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year. Opting out of your dental cleaning can be tempting because it doesn’t seem necessary. Why do you need a dental team to clean your teeth when you do it every day? Your dental hygienist has the proper tools to clean your teeth more efficiently than you can. Even if you have a solid oral care routine, you still need a professional cleaning. Additionally, there are other services that your dentist offers at your cleaning appointment.
Patients who attend their bi-yearly dental cleanings are more likely to have better dental health than those who do not. Therefore, while it may seem excessive, professional dental cleanings are a must.
Full Dental Exam
You will also receive a complete dental exam when you get a professional cleaning. As your hygienist cleans your teeth, they conduct an examination of your teeth and gums to see if there are any issues. If there are issues, they will pass along the information to your dentist. Additionally, your dentist will look over your teeth and gums to ensure that you have no developing issues.
In addition to a visual exam, you will likely get x-rays of your whole mouth. Your eyes can only see so much, which is why you receive x-rays. It allows your dentist to view underneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Therefore, they will be able to see if you have any issues they could not see during the initial visual exam.
This will be the period where they ask you if you are experiencing any other issues, such as increased sensitivity or bleeding gums. If you have problems with snoring or dry mouth, they can include suggestions to improve your symptoms. This makes your dental exam more important.
Thorough Cleaning
While dental cleanings are a necessity for your oral health, they have more benefits. Your hygienist will use a scraping tool to remove any plaque buildup that remains on your teeth. Even the best brushers leave behind plaque residue. Unfortunately, plaque is the main contributor to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. This is yet another reason why your dental cleanings are essential.
After they scrape your teeth, they will use a high-powered brush and gritty toothpaste to buff your teeth. This will polish and remove any remaining plaque from the surface of your teeth. This polishing will help rid your teeth of mild surface stains, brightening your smile. Finally, they will use a special flossing technique to remove plaque from underneath your gum line.
Professional dental cleanings can help minimize bad breath, surface stains, and plaque buildup.
Preventative Dentistry
When you see your dentist on a regular basis, they are able to catch dental issues before they become huge problems. Between exams and cleanings, your dental team fully understands your teeth and gums. As a result, you can rest easier knowing that they will be able to minimize your discomfort. Dental cleanings are better than expensive, invasive procedures.