Smile Brighter and Healthier: Why Routine Professional Teeth Cleanings are a Must

As dental professionals, we’ve seen the difference that routine dental cleanings can make in our patients’ oral health. Professional teeth cleaning is a preventative measure that helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

In this article, we’ll explain what a dental cleaning is, its benefits, how often you should get a dental cleaning, common misconceptions, and oral health tips to maintain your smile. 

Because you gotta keep lookin’ good after you’ve taken time to beautify for your smile.

What is a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning done by one of our dental hygienists–Kelli or Emily. The process involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. The hygienist uses special tools to remove the buildup and clean your teeth. They’ll also polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains and give your teeth a smooth surface. You’ll feel so fresh and so clean. 

(Whispers under breath: So fresh and so clean).

Benefits

There are many benefits of getting your teeth cleaned regularly. 

1. First, it helps prevent gum disease (aka periodontal disease). According to the CDC, about 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings help remove the bacteria that cause gum disease and prevent it from progressing. If you’re over 30, it’s imperative that you take care of your teeth AND your gums.
2. Second, dental cleanings can help detect oral cancer early. During your appointment, Dr. McVey will examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
3. Third, dental cleanings can help prevent bad breath. Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Regular dental cleanings help remove the bacteria and keep your breath fresh. And really, who wants to be known as that one person with persistent stinky breath?
4. Finally, dental cleanings can help save you money in the long run. Preventative care is less expensive than restorative care. By getting regular dental cleanings, you can prevent more serious dental problems from developing. “Prevention is better than cure..” (quote by Desiderius Erasmus)

Prevention is better than cure.

Desiderius Erasmus

How often should you get a dental cleaning?

The frequency of dental cleanings depends on your individual needs. In general, we recommend that you get a dental cleaning every six months. However, if you have gum disease or any other dental problems, you may need to get your teeth cleaned more often.

Common misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions about cleanings. One misconception is that they’re painful. While some patients may experience sensitivity during the cleaning process, it shouldn’t be painful. Your hygienist will work with you to ensure your comfort during your appointment.

Another misconception is that dental cleanings are unnecessary if you brush and floss regularly. While brushing and flossing are important, they can’t remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth. It’s necessary to remove the buildup that cannot be removed at home.

Finally, some people believe that dental cleanings are expensive. However, preventative care is less expensive than restorative care (see the quote above ⬆). By investing in regular cleanings, you can save money in the long run by preventing more serious dental problems from developing.

Oral health tips to maintain your smile

In addition to getting regular dental cleanings, there are several things you can do to maintain good oral health. 

1. First, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. 
2. Second, floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. 
3. Third, eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in nutrients. 
4. Fourth, avoid smoking and using tobacco products, which can increase your risk for gum disease and oral cancer.

Conclusion – Invest in your dental health

In conclusion, cleanings is a must for maintaining good oral health. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease, detect oral cancer early, prevent bad breath, and save you money in the long run. It is important to get dental cleanings every six months or as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. By investing in your dental health with routine cleanings and following good oral hygiene practices, you can maintain a healthy smile for life.

Schedule your appointment online

Don't wait until you have a dental problem to see us. Schedule your appointment online today for a dental cleaning and exam. 

Investing in your dental health now can save you time and money in the long run.

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Important Links:

1. (https://drrandallmcvey.com/blog/comprehensive-dental-exam-what-expect/) The Ultimate Guide to a Comprehensive Dental Exam: What to Expect
2. (https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html) CDC
3. (https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/oral-screening-pdq) National Cancer Institute
4. (https://allauthor.com/quotes/61976/) All Author
5. (https://book.patientconnect365.com/#/ce7c0897-84d8-42c0-a182-320c12362c3d) Online booking