Why Professional Dental Cleanings Are Necessary

While it is crucial that you maintain a daily brushing and flossing schedule, it does not ensure optimal oral health, only a portion of it. Professional dental cleanings are the gateway for the dentist to get a full scope of your oral health. Discover the many advantages of undergoing biannual dental cleanings.

Plaque and tartar removal

Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Even with diligent oral hygiene practices, plaque can form within minutes of removal, particularly in hard-to-reach places. However, we still strongly encourage these dental cleanings at home as the chances of tartar, also known as calculus (hardened plaque) forming, can be significantly reduced. By eliminating these substances, the patient also decreases their chances of developing decay and gum diseases.

Early detection of various dental issues

Professional dental cleanings offer more than just a deep clean; they can provide early detection of various issues such as gum disease, oral cancer, and infections. Gum disease is a painful condition that causes inflamed, red, and sore gums. It can lead to gum recession and tooth and jawbone loss. While gum disease is reversible if caught early, it can worsen and cause irreversible damage if the patient does not seek professional care.

Oral cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease that can attack the lips, throat, tongue, cheeks, and gums. The dentist conducts regular screenings during dental cleanings because, in its early stages, oral cancer is often asymptomatic. If evidence of oral cancer is found, such as suspicious lumps, lesions, sores, or unusual changes in the oral tissues, the dentist will recommend the care of an oncologist for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

Lastly, dental infections, such as an abscess, have a way of sneaking up on people. During the dental cleaning, the dentist will check for signs of soft spots or an accumulation of pus in the gums. If they notice any, the patient likely has a bacterial infection, and they will conduct an X-ray to see if it has reached the jawbone. A cleaning and antibiotic prescription will follow. Without treatment, the infection can spread throughout the mouth and into other areas of the body, compromising various systems of the patient.

Education through each oral health phase

Dental cleanings are not only necessary for early detection and cleaning but also allow patients to receive tips on the best care practices as their body changes. Everyone's oral care plan, both in-office and at home, is personalized to meet their needs. Therefore, during the dental cleaning, as the dentist evaluates the state of their mouth, they can provide tips on improvement, products such as toothpaste, floss, and mouth rinses that can better suit their needs.

Oral care does not stop at a patient's routine or the products they use. The dentist can also provide nutrition advice that can help preserve the natural state of the teeth and gums for as long as possible-- the ultimate goal of any dentist.