5 Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Going to the dentist every six months for routine dental checkups and professional cleanings is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile for life. Even if your teeth appear to be in good condition, dental cleaning, in particular, can play a vital role in preventing oral health problems from developing or progressing. Here’s what you should know about the importance of having your teeth regularly cleaned at the dentist before scheduling your next appointment at Walnut Creek Dental.

Dental Cleanings Overview

While dental cleanings are commonly scheduled during the same appointment as routine dental checkups, they are two distinct procedures. During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will examine your gums for any potential concerns, such as inflammation. They will then use a special tool called a scaler to carefully scrape the surface of your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris. Next, they will apply a gritty toothpaste to the surface of your teeth, floss between them individually, and give you a fluoride mouthwash to rinse away any lingering particles in your mouth.

Why Are Regular Dental Cleaning Visits Important?

You may think that having your teeth cleaned twice a year is a good thing to do, but not really necessary, especially if you brush and floss every day. This simply isn’t true. Regular dental cleanings are important for a number of reasons, including:

• Keeping Teeth Free From Plaque: Plaque is a sticky, clear film that develops on the surface of your teeth when bacteria and food particles aren’t completely removed with thorough brushing. It’s very difficult to remove and, if left indefinitely, will eventually harden and become what is known as tartar buildup. 
• Preventing Serious Dental Problems: During your dental cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will observe the condition of your teeth and can identify oral health concerns that you might not have caught on your own before they become more complicated or severe.
• Reducing the Risk of Gingivitis: If plaque or tartar is left on the surface of your teeth and gum line, it will eventually lead to gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease). Gum disease can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, recession, and even tooth loss if not treated. 
•  Helping Your Teeth to Last Longer: Because dental cleanings can catch dental problems early and remove plaque that can lead to serious dental problems, having your teeth consistently cleaned by a professional can help you keep your natural teeth for years to come.
• Brightening Your Smile: When plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth, they will look brighter, whiter, and more radiant.

Taking Care of Teeth Between Dental Cleanings

Along with visiting the dentist twice a year for regular teeth cleanings and exams, there are steps you can take on a daily basis to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and strong. These include:

• Brushing your teeth in the morning and at night
•  Flossing and using mouthwash daily
• Limiting your consumption of foods that are hard to remove from the crevices of your teeth, such as chewy candies
• Drinking water, particularly after eating sugary or acidic foods      

Professional Dental Cleaning in Groveport, OH

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your teeth cleaned at the dentist, don’t wait another day to put caring for the well-being of your smile. Undergoing a professional teeth cleaning is a simple step that can have a big impact on your overall oral health. The friendly team at Walnut Creek Dental is eager to show you how convenient and comfortable caring for your smile can be. Contact us today to schedule your next dental cleaning appointment!