The Importance Of Regular Dental Cleanings

You’ve heard it from every single dentist: get a routine dental cleaning every six months, and that way you’ll have a happy and healthy smile.

But why are cleanings important? What other benefits do they even provide? 

Let’s unpack the topic:

You’re Not Properly Cleaning Your Mouth

Brushing your teeth at home, combined with flossing, is crucial to having healthy teeth. The problem is, even with modern tools and the best products money can buy, you’re likely not cleaning every single nook and cranny.

Many areas of the mouth are almost impossible to clean by yourself; the most common ones are at the very back of your mouth. And if you also have some tooth alignment issues, that makes things even harder.

Professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove all bacteria and food particles from the mouth, as well as tartar buildup, which is the hardened form of plaque. These depositions can’t be scrubbed away with a toothbrush and need special tools to break down the tartar for removal.

The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Here are some of the main perks of getting regular dental cleanings:

1. Reduced risks for dental issues

Regular cleanings significantly cut down your risk for gum disease and cavities, as well as other oral health troubles. By removing tartar and bacteria, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for longer.

2. Whiter teeth

Professional cleanings can remove stubborn stains from the surface of the teeth that are impossible to get rid of at home. Moreover, tartar buildup also makes your teeth look yellow. Many patients get a whiter smile right after a dental cleaning simply because of stain and tartar removal.

3. Better dental care

Regular cleanings also give the dentist or hygienist the chance to closely monitor your teeth and notice any troubling signs early on, when they are much easier to treat.

For instance, a dentist can notice a cavity forming in the demineralization stage when the permanent hole hasn’t formed yet. They can apply a fluoride treatment to prevent the tooth from ever getting a cavity.

Such preventative dental treatments are also more affordable, so you’ll also be saving money on dental work.

4. Better oral health education

Regular visits are also a great opportunity to talk to your dentist about any concerns and get tips on how to properly care for your teeth.

You can get advice tailored to your specific needs, from the type of toothbrush you should use to how to brush properly and the foods you may want to avoid. 

Time for a Dental Cleaning? We Can Help!

Come see Dr. Robert Miller for a professional dental cleaning that can help you keep your smile healthy.

Request an appointment at Sarasota Bay Dental online, or call our office at (941) 200-3723 for more information.