Do you ever feel like your teeth are clean, but you are left to wonder what might be hiding where your toothbrush can’t reach? Even when you’re brushing and flossing daily, bacteria can nestle themselves in tiny cracks and cause issues you’re not even aware of at the time. Here we explain why it is so crucial that you go to a Cary dentist near you for regular dental cleanings, what you experience when you do go, and how cleanings help keep you healthy.
Why Is Everyone Needed For Dental Cleanings?
Most people believe brushing and flossing at home will prevent them from having healthy teeth. Although home care is very vital, there are several reasons why dental cleanings are important for everyone:
- They take away tacky plaque and hard tartar that accumulate over time.
- They prevent cavities and gum disease.
- They enable your dentist to detect issues early on.
- They can make your breath smell better and your teeth feel smooth and clean.
Regular cleanings decrease your chances of requiring more advanced procedures in the future.
What Happens During A Dental Cleaning?
If you have never had a professional cleaning before, you may be curious about what happens during a dental cleaning. Below, you’ll find the main steps you can expect:
- Examination: The dental hygienist checks your gums and teeth for signs of trouble.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Special tools remove the buildup that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Polishing: A gentle polish smooths your tooth surfaces.
- Flossing: The hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any leftover debris.
- Fluoride Treatment: Sometimes, a fluoride treatment is applied to help protect your enamel.
The process is safe and comfortable, and it often takes less than an hour.
How Do Professional Cleanings Improve Oral Health?
Many people ask how dental cleanings improve oral health beyond what they can do at home. Cleanings provide benefits you simply cannot get from brushing and flossing alone:
- Removal of hard tartar that can only be cleaned by dental tools.
- Better prevention of gum inflammation and infection.
- Early detection of cavities and other issues.
- Fresher breath by removing bacteria under the gums.
By having a professional teeth cleaning in Cary every six months, you can keep your mouth in excellent shape and avoid bigger problems.
What Is Deep Cleaning, And When Is It Needed?
Sometimes, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning for teeth, especially if you have signs of gum disease. Deep cleaning is different from regular cleaning because it goes below the gumline to remove harmful bacteria.
A deep cleaning usually has two parts:
- Scaling: Removing tartar and plaque from above and below the gumline.
- Root Planing: Smoothing the roots of the teeth so the gums can reattach.
This treatment helps stop infection and prevent tooth loss. It may take more than one visit to complete, but it is very effective for treating gum disease.
How Do Cleanings Remove Bacteria You Can’t See?
You might be surprised by how many bacteria live in your mouth. Even if your teeth look clean, sticky plaque and tartar can hide dangerous germs. Bacteria removal during dental cleaning is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy.
During a cleaning, your hygienist uses special tools to:
- Scrape away plaque and tartar that trap bacteria.
- Clean under the gums where germs can hide.
- Polish the tooth surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to stick again.
Removing these bacteria helps prevent infections, cavities, and bad breath.
What Are The Benefits Of Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Below, you’ll find some of the main reasons to have professional cleanings regularly:
- Prevent Gum Disease: Removing bacteria keeps your gums healthy and strong.
- Protect Tooth Enamel: Cleaning away plaque prevents acid damage to your enamel.
- Brighten Your Smile: Polishing helps remove surface stains for a fresher look.
- Improve Overall Health: Gum disease is linked to heart problems, diabetes, and other conditions.
- Save Money: Preventive care is less costly than treating serious dental issues later.
By making cleanings part of your routine, you protect more than just your teeth.
How Does Professional Cleaning Help If You Have Restorations Or Cosmetic Work?
If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, cleanings are still very important. Even the most beautiful smile can develop problems if bacteria are left behind.
Professional cleanings help:
- Remove plaque around restorations.
- Protect the edges where decay can start.
- Keep your cosmetic work looking bright and clean.
If you have had cosmetic dentistryor any cosmetic treatment elsewhere, ask your dentist about the best schedule for maintaining your results.
How Often Should You Schedule A Dental Cleaning?
Most people benefit from a cleaning every six months. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have:
- A history of gum disease.
- Many restorations or crowns.
- Health conditions that affect your mouth.
- Rapid plaque buildup.
Your dentist will help you create a plan that keeps your smile as healthy as possible.
Experience A Healthier Smile With Gentle, Trusted Care
Your smile deserves the best care at every stage of life. At Beavers Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you feel comfortable and confident while keeping your teeth clean and free of harmful bacteria. Call us today to schedule your visit, and let our caring team protect your oral health with the highest-quality dental cleanings.
