Having a healthy and beautiful smile is one of the best gifts you can give yourself; and dental cleanings are an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums in top condition.
A dental cleaning, also known as oral prophylaxis, is a professional dental procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth to help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental conditions.
Regular dental cleanings at least twice per year are recommended by dentists for optimal oral health maintenance.
In this blog post, we will discuss why dental cleanings are so important and how they can benefit your overall health.
What is dental cleaning (oral prophylaxis)?
Dental cleaning, also known as oral prophylaxis, is a dental procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Dental cleaning involves the removal of dental plaque and tartar from your teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Plaque and tartar accumulate on teeth over time, due to food particles and saliva interacting with bacteria in the mouth.
This buildup of dental plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental conditions.
Part of dental cleaning is teeth polishing. This helps to remove any surface stains on the teeth.
Why dental cleanings are important?
Dental cleanings are important for many reasons, but the main one is that it helps to reduce the risk of dental diseases and cavities.
Plaque and tartar left on teeth can lead to dental diseases, tooth decay, and other dental issues. By removing these buildups regularly, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Regular dental cleanings can also help detect any dental issues in the early stages and give you more time to address them without major dental procedures.
In addition, dental cleanings help to keep your breath fresh by removing bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Overall, dental cleaning is an important part of maintaining good oral health and reducing dental diseases.
Benefits of dental cleanings for overall health
The benefits of dental cleanings for overall health go beyond just maintaining good oral hygiene. Recent studies have found that dental cleanings can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other conditions that are linked to oral hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a variety of systemic health issues. Bacteria and inflammation in the gums can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, causing inflammation and damage to different organs.
This is why dental cleanings are especially important for individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as they may be more prone to developing dental problems.
Also, dental cleanings can save you money in the long run by preventing expensive dental procedures from being needed down the road due to dental decay or other dental issues caused by poor oral hygiene practices.
Regular dental checkups allow for early detection of any potential dental problems so that treatments can be administered quickly and effectively before they become worse and more costly to fix.
How often should dental cleanings be done?
Dental cleanings should be done at least twice a year, however, some dental professionals may suggest more frequent visits depending on your individual dental needs.
You should visit the dentist for dental cleanings as regularly as possible to prevent dental decay and other dental issues from developing.
Some people require more frequent dental cleanings due to their medical history or dental condition.
For instance, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing gum disease and should consult with their dentist about how often they should come in for dental cleaning visits.
Other factors such as smoking or dry mouth can also increase the likelihood of developing dental issues.
You should speak with your dentist about what type of preventive measures you should take regarding oral care and how often you should schedule dental cleaning appointments.
Overall, regular dental checkups and professional dental cleaning visits are essential for preventing serious dental diseases from developing and protecting your long-term oral health.
While visiting the dentist twice per year is recommended by most dentists, those with specific dental needs may require more frequent visits to keep their teeth healthy and beautiful.
FAQs about dental cleanings
How long does a dental cleaning treatment take?
A dental cleaning, or dental prophylaxis as it is known in dental circles, typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
During this time, your dental hygienist will assess your dental health, clean and polish your teeth, examine for cavities, and perform other necessary dental treatments such as X-rays and fluoride treatments.
Can you eat food after teeth cleaning by a dentist?
Yes, you can eat food after dental cleaning by a dentist. You will be advised to wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or rinsing the mouth to allow the dental cleaning and polishing agents to effectively remove plaque and residue from your teeth and gums.
As dental procedures may cause some minor bleeding, we recommend eating soft foods for the first 24 hours after a dental cleaning.
What is deep cleaning for gum disease?
Deep cleaning for gum disease, also known as dental scaling and root planing, is a dental treatment used to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth below the gum line. This procedure is more extensive than regular dental cleanings and may be necessary to treat gum disease.
What is dental preventive care?
Dental preventive care is a dental care strategy aimed at preventing dental disease and preserving oral health.
It encompasses a variety of dental treatments, such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, dental checkups and cleanings, diet and nutrition counselling, oral hygiene instruction, and other dental health services.
Having your teeth cleaned by a dentist
Overall, dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health and preventing dental decay.
Regular dental checkups should be done at least twice a year to allow for early detection of any potential dental problems. Depending on your individual needs, more frequent visits may be necessary.
Preventive measures such as diet and nutrition counseling along with regular brushing and flossing can help keep teeth healthy between dentist appointments.
Taking the time to visit your dentist regularly will help preserve long-term oral health and avoid costly dental procedures down the road. So, if it has been a while since you’ve seen the dentist, schedule an appointment today!
For dental cleaning in the Tecumseh, Ontario area please visit Tecumseh Family Dental. Their experienced team offers a wide range of services, including cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and more
