Brushing your teeth twice daily, or after meals, and flossing every day are necessary aspects of good oral health. No matter how good your daily oral hygiene habits, though, they cannot replace professional dental cleanings. These regular dental checkups and cleanings contain several principal steps that make sure your dental health is on track.
One of the first steps of your professional dental cleaning will involve the removal of tartar or calculus. Plaque develops on your teeth frequently, and even thorough brushing and flossing may not be sufficient to remove all of it. That is because some areas of your teeth can be quite difficult to reach on your own. Plaque that is not removed regularly can start to harden into tartar within just 24 to 48 hours. When tartar develops, only a dentist can remove it using a special tool called a scaler or by using a tool that removes it with ultrasound waves.
After the tartar is removed, your dentist or hygienist will then polish your teeth with a special paste and brush that work together to brighten your teeth and remove surface stains. Your teeth will be clean and shiny, and the newly smoothed surface will be less habitable to bacteria colonization. Your dentist may suggest fluoride treatment, based on your dental health history and lifestyle. Fluoride can harden enamel and strengthen your teeth against decay.
Your dentist will also perform a comprehensive evaluation of your dental health after your dental cleaning. He or she will examine the health of your teeth and gums, checking for signs of decay or dental disease. Dental X-rays may be required to check for decay between teeth or beneath the gumline or to monitor gum disease. If you have any signs of gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist will outline a treatment plan designed to restore your dental health. Gum disease that is not treated can lead to tooth loss, and multiple studies have linked advanced gum disease to serious health conditions such as diabetes and stroke.
Regular, professional dental cleanings also give you an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your dentist. One of the most important elements of any dental practice is prevention and education, and most dentists will be more than happy to answer your questions and discuss various treatment options with you. Special toothpastes or toothbrushes, cosmetic dentistry procedures and other treatments or options may be able to help you get a healthier and more attractive smile.
Ultimately, a professional cleaning is about far more than just a polishing and cleaning treatment. Your dentist will remove tartar accumulation, check your gums for symptoms of gum disease, monitor you for signs of oral cancer and other dental diseases, check for cavities, check any restorations you have, assess your current dental health, and discuss and recommend treatment plans as necessary.
Most people should see their dentists every six months. However, if you are pregnant, smoke, have a history of severe dental decay or gum disease, or you suffer from certain health conditions, your dentist may suggest more frequent checkups.
At NOHO Dental Group, our NOHO dental cleaning specialist advises all individuals to have a dental cleaning at least every six months.