While many people are afraid of going to their dentist for a dental cleaning, it is necessary for good oral and overall health. Oral health is directly linked to the health of the entire body. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits by making regular trips to the dentist for dental cleanings.
Before a dental care provider can suggest any other form of treatment, they will first administer a thorough dental cleaning.
The following are some of the most common questions people have about dental cleanings.
A dental cleaning is more intensive than normal brushing and flossing. This type of cleaning involves the removal of tartar, bacteria, and all other harmful debris in the teeth and gums of a patient. These harmful elements cannot be removed by normal brushing and flossing alone. When left unattended, tartar builds up and creates a conducive environment for more bacteria. These bacteria lead to serious oral health issues.
The first thing the dentist will do is to view the condition of the teeth and gums and check for any issues. They will then use special dental tools to clean and polish the teeth. Regular dental cleanings remove traces of food and plaque. However, when a patient has calculus or tartar around the teeth, they may need a deeper dental cleaning, which is done with a scaling and root planing dental tool.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends patients to visit their dentist at least once every year for a dental cleaning. However, patients with a history of periodontal disease or other risk factors such as diabetes, smoking or cardiovascular diseases should visit their dentist for routine dental examinations and cleanings more often.
Accumulated bacteria in the mouth can irritate the gums. This makes them more sensitive, and they can bleed more easily. Bleeding often happens after a visit to the dentist for routine dental cleaning because the dental care provider has to brush and use hard instruments against the teeth and gums. However, gum sensitivity will usually disappear a day or two after a dental cleaning.
Although a dental cleaning procedure removes plaque-causing bacteria completely, it begins to re-colonize in the mouth after a day or two. While brushing and flossing are good home dental care practices, plaque reformation after a period of six months is inevitable. The longer a patient stays without dental cleaning, the more the plaque calcifies onto the teeth. Once it calcifies, it cannot be removed through brushing and flossing. Patients who go for a dental cleaning after every six months are less likely to acquire substantial plaque and tartar buildup that can affect their oral health.
Even if it has been a while since you last visited your dentist for a dental cleaning, now is a good time to resume your visits. To schedule a dental cleaning with a professional dental care provider, contact us today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Most dental patients do not set a dental checkup for a dental filling. It is either they are suffering from dental anxiety, or they do not see any holes in their teeth to fill. What may seem like a normal tooth may already need fillings. A dental checkup can determine if the patient needs a…
Worried about dental emergencies and what you should do if one occurs? Continue reading to find out more. Dental emergencies can be frightening, especially when they involve a broken tooth. However, it is important to know that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of a lot of different treatments to address and treat dental…
Although a dentist provides services on a patient-by-patient basis, the one thing strongly encouraged for everyone is to have a dental checkup every six months. This schedule is what the industry recommends and for good reasons. While some dentists agree this is sufficient, others feel that under certain circumstances a person should visit a clinic…
Many people today think professional teeth cleaning is optional and its purpose is primarily to keep the smile bright. In fact, it should be part of routine dental care. Getting a cleaning from a dental professional is important for both the appearance and health of the entire mouth.Even those who brush and floss twice daily…
Most dental patients do not set a dental checkup for a dental filling. It is either they are suffering from dental anxiety, or they do not see any holes in their teeth to fill. What may seem like a normal tooth may already need fillings. A dental checkup can determine if the patient needs a…
Worried about dental emergencies and what you should do if one occurs? Continue reading to find out more. Dental emergencies can be frightening, especially when they involve a broken tooth. However, it is important to know that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of a lot of different treatments to address and treat dental…