Routine dental cleanings help maintain good oral health. In addition to oral hygiene at home, dental cleanings performed at a dentist are the best way to keep teeth and gums healthy. There are some preventive benefits associated with keeping these appointments. In addition to having an attractive smile, individuals can enjoy the benefits of routine dental cleanings, which include preventing cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Considering starting routine appointments to get regular cleanings?
Here's a guide that brings together some of the benefits that come with routine dental cleanings.
What is dental cleaning ?
Dental cleaning softens and polishes the surface of the teeth to prevent plaque, which is not easily seen by the naked eye, from sticking to them. In addition, it improves the appearance of the teeth by removing all stains from tea, coffee or red wine.
The different steps of dental cleaning
The initial examination
First, the dental hygienist examines your mouth and gums to see if they are healthy. Generally, they should be firm and pink in color. He or she will check for black spots on your teeth, which are a sign of dental decay. He will ask you questions about your oral health. It is important to mention if you are in pain or have any questions.
X-rays
During a cleaning, you may be due for an x-ray. These should be taken once a year. This process is particularly quick and painless. It allows the dentist to assess your oral health. He or she will be able to get a deeper look at the condition of your bones, teeth, gums and the location of your wisdom teeth, if any. It all depends on your oral profile.
Dental plaque and tartar removal
Once he has fully assessed your situation, he will be able to remove any plaque or tartar build-up that is around your gums and between your teeth. To do this, he uses a scaler to eliminate the bacteria responsible for cavities and gingivitis. If this bacteria remains, it will eventually turn into tartar. During this stage of the cleaning process, you will hear scraping noises in your mouth.
Polishing
After the removal of plaque and tartar, he removes the stains on the surface of your teeth. To do this, he will use an electric brush and a paste to polish the teeth. This removes any tartar left by the scaler. Polishing should only be done twice a year. During this step, he can perform intervals of polishing and rinsing to thoroughly clean the area.
Flossing
After polishing, you are bound to feel a rather special texture between your teeth. That's why it's important to floss between your teeth. This is because he will be able to go deep between your teeth and remove the remaining plaque bacteria. He will tell you what type of floss will be done for you at home. Then he will ask you to rinse your mouth to remove any remaining food debris.
Dental Examination
Finally, he will complete the dental cleaning with a general inspection of your teeth. He will assess the health of your teeth and gums. He will also look at your jaw for grinding problems and the alignment of your teeth. He will look at your x-rays and assess whether you need dental restorations. This is when you can ask him about your oral health.
The benefits of dental cleaning
1.Cavity prevention
The number one benefit of routine dental cleanings is cavity prevention. As mentioned earlier, home oral hygiene helps maintain good oral health. However, it takes the expertise of a professional to properly clean teeth and remove plaque and tartar, all of which can lead to cavities. Remember, you can't remove tartar with your toothbrush. A routine dental cleaning should be completed to remove plaque and tartar that forms between the teeth or along the gum line. It doesn't matter where the plaque and tartar are on the teeth - cavities can form anywhere - that's why it's a good idea to clean your teeth regularly.
2. Prevention of gum disease
Another preventive benefit of routine dental cleanings is that gum disease can be minimized, if not completely prevented. Gum disease is the result of the formation of plaque and tartar along the gum line. Over time, both can eat away at the soft tissue and even destroy the underlying bone beneath the gums. However, routine dental cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing infection from forming.
3. Preventing Bad Breath
Although not as serious as gum disease and cavities, bad breath, known medically as halitosis, can be embarrassing. Social situations and relationships can be negatively affected by bad breath, which can be caused by infections, bacteria build-up and poor oral hygiene. They can prevent infection and bacterial growth from developing, making it less likely that halitosis will become a chronic problem.
4. Stain prevention
Over time, heavily stained foods and drinks can have a negative impact on teeth. Oral hygiene at home can minimize staining. However, some staining is unavoidable, which is why routine dental cleanings can be beneficial. If done regularly, a general dentist can help prevent the appearance of long-lasting stains, keeping teeth bright and white.
You can use a Y-Brush toothbrush to help clean your teeth. It is a toothbrush that removes 15% more plaque than a traditional toothbrush.
We hope that this guide has helped you understand what dental cleaning is, but also to better understand the different steps of dental cleaning. We also hope that you will see the benefits of using a dental cleaning system and understand how beneficial it can be for you