Posted: August 25, 2024
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly are essential habits for maintaining good oral hygiene. However, even the most diligent at-home care isn’t enough to keep your teeth and gums in top condition. Professional teeth cleaning, performed by a dental hygienist, offers a deeper level of cleaning that can’t be achieved at home.
Why Brushing and Flossing Aren’t Enough
While brushing and flossing are crucial for removing food particles and plaque from your teeth, they can’t reach every nook and cranny in your mouth. Plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, particularly along the gum line and between teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (also known as calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Tartar buildup not only affects the appearance of your teeth, making them look yellow or stained, but it also provides a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria can lead to gum inflammation, cavities, and more serious oral health issues like gum disease. Professional teeth cleaning ensures that all plaque and tartar are effectively removed, helping to prevent these problems from developing.
The Deep Cleaning Process
During a professional teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line. This process, known as scaling, is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing periodontal (gum) disease. After scaling, the hygienist will polish your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel, making it harder for plaque to adhere.
In some cases, your hygienist may also apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay. Fluoride helps to remineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth.
Preventing Gum Disease
One of the most significant benefits of professional teeth cleaning is the prevention of gum disease. Gum disease begins with gingivitis, a mild form of gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Professional teeth cleaning helps to prevent gum disease by removing the plaque and tartar that cause inflammation. Regular cleanings also allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and catch any early signs of gum disease before it becomes a more serious problem.
A Brighter, More Confident Smile
Beyond the health benefits, professional teeth cleaning also enhances the appearance of your smile. The polishing step of the cleaning process removes surface stains caused by food, drinks, and other factors, leaving your teeth looking brighter and more polished. This can boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable sharing your smile with the world.
Early Detection of Dental Issues
Regular visits for professional teeth cleaning also give your dentist and hygienist the opportunity to examine your mouth for any signs of dental issues, such as cavities, oral cancer, or misalignment. Early detection is key to treating these problems effectively and can save you from more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
Schedule a Consultation
Professional teeth cleaning is more than just a cosmetic procedure—it’s a vital part of maintaining your oral health. By removing plaque and tartar, preventing gum disease, and detecting potential dental issues early, professional cleanings help to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come. While at-home care is essential, it’s important to complement it with regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office via our contact form or by calling 403-407-5730.
*all procedures performed at our practice by a general dentist
