Everybody knows how to brush and floss their teeth, which is enough to get your teeth cleaned, right? Wrong. Although these two are the very foundations of good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist to get your teeth cleaned professionally is a must so you get to enjoy a bright smile and maintain optimal oral health. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of dental cleanings and why it’s not enough to simply brush and floss your teeth twice daily.
Brushing and flossing: the limitations of at-home dental care.
Brushing and flossing your teeth after eating removes food particles, but it’s only up to a certain extent. For one, there are a lot of hard-to-reach areas inside your mouth, especially in between the teeth, under dental bridges, and around crowns. These crevices are also the hotspots of bacteria and plaque growth, which could lead to the development of cavities and gum disease.
Speaking of plaque, once it has built up and solidified, it becomes tartar, which cannot be removed by mere brushing or flossing. Tartar builds up along the gum line, which contributes to the development of gum issues, hence the need for dental professionals like Bellfield dentists to get it removed effectively using specialized tools. Most importantly, attending regular dental checkups allows dentists to identify the first signs of oral health issues like cavities, and gum disease, and even check for oral cancer, which cannot be done through at-home dental care kits.
What are the benefits of professional dental cleanings?
Tartar and plaque removal. As mentioned before, you cannot remove tartar and plaque buildup with a simple toothbrush. To do so, dentists use specialized tools like scalers and curettes to remove tartar from above and below your gumline.
Gum disease prevention. If left unchecked, tartar buildup could turn into gum disease can spread pretty quickly, and can lead to tooth loss and other serious oral issues. By getting your teeth cleaned professionally, you are lowering the risks of developing gum diseases.
Oral cancer screening. During dental checkups, dentists conduct oral screening for cancer; making thorough examinations of the mouth, jaw, tongue, throat, and neck, checking any abnormalities or suspicious lesions. What’s even scarier about oral cancer is that it develops slowly, with some people not even feeling anything out of the ordinary, until symptoms start showing.
Teeth polishing. After your dentists clean your teeth, they also polish it to remove any stains, giving you a brighter smile that repulses plaque.
How often should I visit the dentist to get my teeth professionally cleaned?
The frequency of your dental checkups varies depending on your individual needs. Most adults should at least try to set a dental appointment twice a year, while children may need to attend more dental checkups, especially if they’re in their developmental stages. For individuals who have a high risk of developing dental problems, such as people who smoke and suffer from diabetes, their dentists may require them to come in more frequently for checkups.
Diligent brushing and flossing are the foundation of dental care, but there’s only so much we can do with our at-home dental care kits. Professional cleanings are essential to remove tartar and plaque buildup, ensuring we enjoy a healthier and brighter smile that’s free from any oral issues.
