Dental cleanings are one of the most important ways to maintain a healthy smile. A dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis or oral hygiene appointment, is usually performed by a hygienist and involves removing tartar and plaque from your teeth with specialized tools. These appointments are not only preventive maintenance to keep your teeth healthy, but they can help identify cavities before they become more serious and expensive to address. Below we answer some common questions about dental cleanings, including whether they improve dental health and how often you should get them.
What is included in a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning usually includes a thorough cleaning, followed by an exam and an x-ray. If you’ve had a dental cleaning before, you know it can feel a bit like a trip to the dentist. With a person cleaning your teeth, checking for cavities and any other potential issues, and taking an x-ray to see how your teeth and gums are doing.
A thorough cleaning: A dental cleaning includes a thorough cleaning of all the hard and soft tissues in your mouth. This includes removing bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums and sometimes scraping your tongue to remove bacteria and taste buds.
An exam: A dental hygienist will check for cavities and periodontal disease, as well as evaluate how your bite and alignment are. They might also assess if you have any missing teeth and if you might be a candidate for teeth whitening.
An x-ray: If your dentist or hygienist identifies any potential issues. They may take an x-ray to get a better look. An x-ray is helpful in identifying cavities, abnormalities, and any tooth or root issues. Cleaning and exam without x-rays could also be done and is sometimes called a mini-prophylaxis.
Are dental cleanings important for oral health?
A dental cleaning is important because it allows your dentist or hygienist to really get in there and remove any plaque and tartar that has built up, which can cause cavities. This helps to keep your teeth from decaying. And it might even reveal a cavity that could have progressed into something more serious. If you don’t get your teeth cleaned regularly.
Plaque can build up and cause a foul-tasting substance called tartar to form on your teeth. Brushing and flossing are important ways to prevent plaque from building up. But it can be hard to get every area of your teeth. That’s where dental cleanings come in they allow your dentist or hygienist to scrape off the tartar that has formed on your teeth, keeping your oral health intact.
Do dental cleanings improve oral health?
Regular dental cleanings can improve your dental health by preventing cavities and gum disease. A dental cleaning can remove bacteria and tartar from your teeth, as well as spots of plaque that you might miss during brushing and flossing.
Dental cleanings can also help to identify cavities and other potential issues in your mouth before they become more expensive to address. A dental cleaning can also address other oral health issues, such as gum disease, root canal therapy, and wisdom teeth removal.
How often should you get a dental cleaning?
While there is no standard recommendation for how often you should get a dental cleaning. It’s generally recommended that you get a dental cleaning once every six months. If you have some plaque buildup and annually if you have very little plaque. The more often you get dental cleanings, the higher your risk of gum disease. And tooth decay since a dental hygienist will have to scrape harder each time to remove the plaque. Additionally, it may be more likely that you’ll have gum recession or have to have a root canal if you have gum disease. That’s why it’s important to balance getting regular cleanings with how often you visit the dentist.
Importance of flossing, brushing, and check-ups.
Along with regular oral cleanings, it’s important to floss daily and brush at least twice a day. As well as see your dentist annually for a check-up. While a dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. It’s important to see your dentist regularly for other reasons, including: –
- Identifying any early signs of gum disease, cavities, and other dental health issues before they become more serious.
- Receiving recommendations for how to improve your brushing and flossing habits and any changes you might need to make to your dental health routine.
- Get advice on what oral health products would be best for you and your dental health needs.
Conclusion
Regular oral cleanings are important for your dental health. Though it’s important to remember that dental cleanings don’t replace brushing and flossing. It’s also important to remember that dental cleanings don’t replace regular check-ups with your dentist either. If you want to keep your teeth healthy and strong. It’s important to do everything you can to maintain good oral hygiene. Having healthy teeth is important for both your confidence and your health. With the right dental care, you can prevent cavities and gum disease, keep your teeth strong. And help prevent expensive dental procedures.
