Many people wonder about oral care: If I brush and floss each day, why do I need dental cleaning? You may be doing a great job maintaining a good oral care routine at home, but dental cleanings have a much greater impact on protecting your teeth and gums. If you are looking for a dentist near me to keep that smile healthy, knowing the benefits of dental cleanings can help you feel confident in scheduling your next appointment.
What Is Dental Cleaning?
A frequently asked question from patients is, what is dental cleaning? A dental cleaning is a professional dental procedure in a dental office in Greenville that is more advanced than brushing and flossing. Your toothbrush is able to remove plaque sitting on the surface of your teeth, but dental cleanings can remove tartar, plaque in areas that are often hidden from your view, and bacteria in your mouth that cannot be removed at home. The cleaning also polishes the teeth and may include fluoride treatment to leave you with a fresher, healthier mouth.
Why Do I Need Dental Cleaning?
It can be easy for plaque to build up in hard-to-reach places, like behind your molars or under the gumline, despite strong daily habits of brushing and flossing. Over time, this plaque will turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Leaving tartar on your teeth can lead to gum inflammation, cavities, or even periodontal disease.
So why do I need a dental cleaning if I practice good oral hygiene? Prevention is the answer. Regular dental cleanings will help lessen the chances of gum disease, cavities, and health issues related to oral health, for example, heart disease or diabetes. Dental cleanings also give your dentist an opportunity to catch problems before they become more serious.
What Includes in Dental Cleaning?
You may be curious about what is included in dental cleaning: a typical visit has a few different components for your teeth.
- Examination: The dentist, or dental hygienist, looks for signs of cavities, gum disease or other oral health issues.
- Plaque and tartar removal: Specialized instruments are then used to scrape away tartar above and below your gumline.
- Polishing and cleaning: In the end, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and also to smooth surfaces.
- Flossing and fluoride treatment (if recommended): The dental hygienist will use professional flossing to clean each space in between every tooth. Fluoride will be applied for the prevention of cavities, while also strengthening your enamel.
The thoroughness of the process prepares and protects your teeth for the following months.
The Importance of Dental Cleaning
The significance of dental cleanings is hard to overestimate. Although brushing and flossing your teeth daily is essential for your healthy mouth, dental cleanings do offer your mouth the deep and corrective care. Unless it is taken care of properly, the cost of the expensive dental procedures might affect more than the cost of dental cleaning. Being regular in cleaning your teeth will ensure that you maintain smile remains bright.
Think of it as a process of changing the oil in your car. You may not need to do the oil change, but if you do not, there could be long-term consequences.
Final Thoughts
As we stated above, daily brushing and flossing are critical for dental health, yet dental cleanings provide that extra layer of care that your mouth may need. If you are ready to book your appointment for dental cleaning or any dental work, contact Lemon Tree Dental for a healthy and confident smile!