You follow your dentist’s instructions to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss every day. So, do you really need to visit the dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning? Surely the hygienist is just doing what you’re already doing, right?
Not quite. While you may keep up with your at-home oral health care, the full cleaning we provide at our dentist office is more thorough than what you can get at home, even if you’re diligent with your hygiene routine.
The Teeth Cleaning Process
When you come in for your biannual appointment, we start with an exam of your teeth and jaw, as well as an oral cancer screening. This exam, though typically brief, is the best way for us to keep an eye on your oral health and catch potential problems before they become bigger issues. Next, the hygienist uses tools to clean the plaque and tartar off your teeth. This is the hardened material that forms on your teeth, often along the gum line or between teeth. While your toothbrush and toothpaste can clean most of this off your teeth, it simply can’t get everything and get into every crevice. That’s one reason these cleanings are so important.
Once we’ve removed the plaque and tartar, the hygienist will use a special paste and electric brush to polish your teeth. We’ll complete the cleaning with flossing to remove any remaining particles from between the teeth and along the gum line. Once we’ve completed our cleaning, the dentist will visit with you for another quick exam and to discuss any concern you or he may have about your dental health.
Why Is Teeth Cleaning Important?
Visiting the dentist for a teeth cleaning may seem like a small, unimportant thing, but it’s actually really crucial for your oral and overall health. At your appointment, we’re not just giving you a beautiful, shining smile. We’re also checking for signs of wear and tear, gingivitis, decay, and even oral cancer. Did you know that studies have linked gingivitis and more advanced gum disease to cardiovascular disease? Catching the warning signs of gum disease early can help us catch and treat it, which means we help you prevent that possible cause of heart disease or stroke. It’s an easy step to take to help keep your whole body a little more healthy.
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, or if you’re right on time for scheduling, you can call Caring Smiles today or schedule online. Either way, we’ll get you set up with a convenient cleaning appointment. We can’t wait to see your smile!