The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

While brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is critical to maintaining good oral health, what’s equally important if not more is to get professional teeth cleaning done regularly. There are many things that our brushing and flossing can’t address and that’s where the skills and expertise of trained professionals make a huge difference.

These cleanings do more than what the name suggests, they are vital for identifying budding tooth diseases and addressing them promptly too, and many more benefits. Understanding their importance and how the process unfolds is crucial to maintaining good oral health.

What Are Regular Dental Cleanings?

Professional dental cleanings are thorough cleaning procedures that are performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. They differ from regular brushing and flossing at home you normally as they provide a more comprehensive cleaning that reaches areas that are difficult to access with your toothbrush and floss.

Benefits of Dental Cleaning

Following are some benefits of teeth cleaning done by a dentist:

• Prevention of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Regular dental cleanings can help remove the plaque and tartar that build up on our teeth over time, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By eliminating these harmful substances, cleanings play a vital role in maintaining a healthy mouth including teeth and gums.

• Early Detection of Dental Issues

During a cleaning appointment, your dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums. This will pave the way for the early identification of potential problems that may be present in your mouth such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Early detection can benefit you with simpler and more cost-effective treatment options.

• Fresh Breath and Aesthetic Benefits

Dental cleanings can eliminate odor-causing bacteria and remove stains, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and your smile looking its best. This can boost your confidence and improve your overall appearance as your dentist can cover both oral health and esthetic needs comprehensively.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning Appointment

Here’s what the process would look like for you when you go for a dental cleaning appointment:

• The Cleaning Process

A typical dental cleaning appointment will involve an examination, scaling to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, polishing to remove stains, and flossing to remove debris between teeth.

• Professional Tools and Techniques

Your dentist will use specialized tools, such as scalers and polishing instruments, to effectively clean your teeth and remove plaque, etc. They may also leverage ultrasonic devices to break up larger deposits of tartar in your teeth. This is often present in the interior side of our teeth.

• Duration and Frequency

Wondering how long does a dental cleaning take? If you go for a routine dental cleaning, it will last for 30 to 60 minutes only! As far as the frequency is concerned, most expert dentists recommend visiting your dentist for a cleaning and oral exam every six months, biannually, or as many times as recommended by your dentist based on your individual oral health needs and preferences.

Impact of Skipping Dental Cleanings

Now that you know the benefits and importance of dental cleaning, let’s also cover what might happen if you skip or completely neglect your dental cleanings:

Risks of Neglect

Neglecting regular dental cleanings can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar, increasing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Untreated gum disease can then progress to more advanced stages, such as periodontitis, which can cause you to lose your other and other more demanding and serious complications.

Long-Term Effects

Skipping your dental cleanings can have long-term consequences for your overall health and finances. Untreated dental problems can lead to more extensive and costly treatments in the future because you wouldn’t be able to keep a tab on what may be going wrong without a dentist routinely evaluating your oral cavity. Additionally, research has linked poor oral health to an increased risk of certain systemic health conditions, like heart disease and stroke.

How to Maintain Oral Health Between Cleanings

It’s simple. Maintaining good oral hygiene between dental cleanings is crucial for preventing dental problems because individual and dentist’s efforts together are key to improved oral health. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing once daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Also, reassess your dietary preferences. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding sugary or acidic foods and beverages can help you protect your teeth and gums so it’s better to make conscious decisions.

Dental Cleanings at Barrie Smile Centre

At Barrie Smile Centre, our team of experts prioritizes preventive care and believes that regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Our experienced dental team with leaders in the field like Dr. Gorgui and Dr. Isen, use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to provide thorough, comfortable cleanings tailored to each patient's individual needs.

Contact Berrie Smile Centre today to schedule your appointment and edge closer to optimal oral health with regular dental cleanings.