Why Are Routine Dental Cleanings Important?

Every six months, we’re supposed to head to the dentist for our routine dental cleanings. But sometimes, we’re not really sure what the big deal is. Why do they matter? Are dental cleanings really that important?

At Gardena Dental Care, we’d like to better help each patient understand these kinds of questions, so you know why we do what we do and how we can help you achieve your health goals now and in the long run.

Why are Routine Dental Cleanings Important?

Even if you do a great job of brushing, flossing, and rinsing two or three times every single day, there are things you can’t deal with in your oral healthcare. Your daily care helps to remove most of the plaque buildup from your gums and teeth, but it still builds up and hardens into tartar or calculus. This must be scraped away with professional oral care tools to prevent long-term damage.

Routine cleanings can help with a number of things including:

• Prevention of cavities
• Prevention of tooth loss
• Improve breath
• Boost your general health
• Save money in the long run
• Brighten and refresh your smile

Additionally, gum disease is an extremely common condition that needs addressing before it occurs, if at all possible. Coming in for your regular cleanings will help us help you prevent gum disease from occuring. Routine cleanings can also help prevent dental cavities from developing and help reduce your risk for severe conditions. It can also help us keep an eye on your overall oral health and spot problems before they become serious.

How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning Appointment?

The typical frequency for most patients on their routine cleaning appointments is every six months. If you have additional needs, such as cavities or crowns needed, we will set appointments with you at the time you come in for your cleaning, to help keep you on track for your oral health goals.

Additionally, pregnant women will likely benefit from more frequent cleanings, thanks to the hormonal changes which may result in sensitivity in the gums or even lead to pregnancy gingivitis, a temporary condition which results in inflamed gums and sensitivity.

What’s the Deal With Plaque and Tartar?

Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on teeth. If it isn’t removed, it becomes tartar, which is a more challenging substance to remove. Tartar doesn’t come off with brushing and flossing, it must be removed professionally.

Ultimately, plaque leads to tartar, which leads to gum disease and other problematic oral and general health concerns.

How Do Routine Cleanings Help Prevent Gum Disease?

Professional cleanings at our office can help reduce your risk of gum disease by removing the calculus and built-up tartar that damage your gums and teeth. At each routine cleaning, we carefully check your gums, as well, and take precise measurements to ensure everything is on track and healthy.

How Does Gum Disease Affect Your General Health?

It might not seem that big of a deal, but periodontitis, or gum disease, can impact your general health overall, not just your oral health. With untreated gum disease, you run the risk of developing serious health conditions or worsening existing ones.

The reason this impacts your health is because of the bacteria that causes gum disease. When it goes untreated, it can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout your body.

Gum disease has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and heart problems.

Can Regular Dental Cleanings Help Prevent Other Tongue, Throat, and Neck Diseases?

When you come in for your regular dental cleanings, we always perform examinations of your mouth, tongue, face and neck to ensure that nothing unusual appears to be going on. We may use probes or other gentle tools to check for cancer or other diseases, which can help you catch these diseases earlier.

What Happens During Dental Cleaning Visits?

Before we begin your cleaning, your hygienist will assess the overall condition of your gums and teeth. Then, we’ll clean your teeth, removing all plaque, by scaling or scraping your teeth. Then, we’ll polish your teeth, which removes surface stains. While you’re with us, you may receive an oral cancer screening.

We’ll also provide you with custom advice on your personal health care plan. This may include specific suggestions for particular areas of your mouth that need a little extra attention right now or ways to improve your brushing and flossing routine.

What Should I Do Between Dental Cleanings?

Between dental cleaning visits, it’s important to upkeep your oral health on your own. This means brushing with a toothpaste containing fluoride and flossing at least twice daily, ideally after every meal. You should also use mouthwash as part of your oral care routine.

If we have assigned prescription oral health care products, be sure to use those for your care routine.

Additionally, keep an eye on things. If any changes in your mouth occur, such as a chipped tooth, soreness, bleeding of gums (even slight), or tooth alignment issues, contact us immediately at Gardena Dental Care to set an appointment for a checkup.

What if I Haven’t Had a Cleaning in a While?

Thankfully, it’s never too late to begin your oral health care practices, including getting that first dental cleaning on the books. Procrastination is something we’ve all dealt with in one realm of life or another, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a hold on your health now and schedule a cleaning appointment.

Keep Your Smile Bright this Holiday Season

Wherever you are in your oral health care journey, we’re here to help you find the right plan. We’ll assist you in scheduling cleanings, oral health examinations and any specialty appointments needed to help keep that smile healthy and bright.

Call Gardena Dental Care at (424) 295-7885 to schedule your routine cleaning today. Your smile will thank you!