The Importance of Dental Cleaning‍

Dental cleanings, also known as oral hygiene visits, are a standard part of preventative healthcare for most people. During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth to stop the buildup of bacteria that causes gingivitis and other oral diseases.

This article will explore the importance of dental cleanings, why they’re necessary, and how often you should get one. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of dental cleanings and when you should schedule yours next!

ADA Recommended Cleanings

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you get a dental cleaning twice every two years. You may need dental cleanings more often if you have moderate to poor oral health. Your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning in addition to your regular cleaning, depending on how well your teeth are.

Deep cleaning involves more extensive dental services, such as removing additional plaque and tartar buildup and extracting deeper pockets of bacteria. This is usually needed for people with periodontal disease, a slow-spreading infection in the mouth that hurts the tissues around the teeth.

Why Are Dental Services Essential?

While brushing your teeth regularly helps prevent decay and gum disease, it is insufficient to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Visits to the dentist are essential for keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding serious health problems in the long run.

The most common concerns associated with poor dental health are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is an irritation of the gums that can lead to periodontitis, which is the gradual loss of tooth attachment to the gums and bone.

If left untreated, both conditions can lead to tooth loss. Other serious consequences of poor dental health include heart disease and premature births in pregnant women. Studies have shown that people with untreated gum disease have a higher risk of coronary artery disease.

Similarly, pregnant women with gum disease are three times more likely than healthy pregnant women to deliver their babies prematurely.

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning

Healthy teeth and gums can help protect against tooth loss and severe health complications. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria will be removed from your teeth during a dental cleaning and will help prevent gum disease from starting.

Cleaning can also improve your appearance. A teeth cleaning can restore their natural whiteness if you notice that your teeth are beginning to look discolored due to plaque buildup. A dental cleaning can help remove food particles and prevent further tooth and gum damage if you have braces.

Cleaning can also reduce or negate the need for fluoride treatments applied to teeth with braces. Finally, a dental cleaning can improve your overall sense of well-being. Poor oral health can significantly impact one’s self-esteem and quality of life.

A dental cleaning can help you feel more confident about your appearance and boost your self-worth by removing unwanted debris and bacteria from your teeth.

What Do Teeth Cleaning Visits Provide?

During your dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will perform an oral exam and remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Dental cleanings typically lead to one of the following outcomes:

Gum Healing and Plaque Removal

In the early stages of gum disease, your gums may be inflamed and swollen. Your dentist may recommend a period of dental therapy (sometimes called “scaling and root planing”) immediately after your cleaning to help reduce the swelling and promote healing. In some cases, a period of aggressive treatment may be necessary to resolve your gum disease.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Your dentist will use dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. The dentist may also use fluoride treatments or tooth reshaping (fluoride varnish) to help prevent new plaque from forming on your teeth.

Teeth Polishing

A dental cleaning visit may also include teeth polishing to remove stains from your teeth and brighten their appearance.

Teeth Cleaning and Evaluation

A dentist or hygienist may perform dental cleanings. A hygienist will perform a teeth cleaning and give you a teeth cleaning evaluation.

Dental Exam

Your dentist may also perform a dental exam during your dental cleaning. A dental exam includes a thorough oral examination and may include x-rays.

What to Expect at Your Next Dental Visit

First, your dentist or hygienist will perform a dental exam. If deep cleaning is necessary, they will discuss the procedure with you and perform the treatment. Depending on your exam findings and cleaning, your dentist may recommend other dental services, such as teeth whitening or fluoride treatments.

After your cleaning is complete, your dentist will likely ask you to sit in the dental chair for a few minutes while they observe your gums. This allows them to observe the overall health of your mouth and track your progress as you proceed. 

The Next Part of Your Visit: The Dental Exam

A dental exam includes a thorough oral examination of your teeth and gums and may include an assessment of your overall oral health. As part of your exam, your dentist will conduct a gum assessment and track your gum healing.

Your dentist may also perform other tests, such as a visual exam of your teeth and a periodontal probe, to examine the condition of your gums. A periodontal probe is a tool that dentists use to measure the depth of your gums.

A Dental Cleaning and Exam Can Improve Your Wellness

Dental cleaning and exam can help improve your oral health and track your progress towards optimal oral health. Your dentist will provide a written evaluation of your oral health after your cleaning visit.

This evaluation can help you identify areas of improvement that require timely attention. Your dentist may recommend a specific dental hygiene routine or treatment schedule based on your cleaning and exam results.

While some dental treatment is necessary to promote optimal gum health, you can also take personal steps toward maintaining optimal oral health at home.

How the Condition of Your Teeth Affects Your Body

The bacteria and plaque accumulating on your teeth can harm your oral health and overall well-being. The bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and infect your teeth if left untreated.

The bacteria can also travel to other parts of your body, such as your heart and lungs, and cause serious health complications. The bacteria on your teeth can cause inflammation, leading to various health issues. Gum disease, for example, increases your risk of developing various health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and preterm births.

Contact Shabani Dental For Your Dental Cleaning

Whether you need cleaning and an exam or are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, our team is here to help. We understand that each patient has unique needs, and we pride ourselves on providing them with the personalized care they deserve.

Shabani Dental offers various dental services, including teeth cleaning and dental examinations, to help you achieve optimal oral health. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or call us at (818) 600-4012 to schedule an appointment.