Did you know that even if your at-home oral hygiene routine is consistent and thorough, regular professional teeth cleaning is still essential to your dental health? In fact, this simple preventative measure can help you avoid other more complex and costly treatments in the future and enjoy good oral health for years to come. Please read our article to learn about the benefits of professional teeth cleaning for your oral and general health.
What Is a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
A professional teeth cleaning is a comprehensive procedure performed by your dentist, which includes:
- A physical exam (might include an x-ray or a scan)
- Plaque and tartar removal
- Teeth cleaning with gritty toothpaste and a professional electric brush (removes plaque residue surface stains and polishes your teeth)
- Expert deep flossing (your dentist will be able to reach and clean areas that you can not reach at home)
- A fluoride solution application (might be optional, depending on a dental office policy)
Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
Below, we have listed some of the benefits regular professional teeth cleanings can offer our patients:
Cavity and Decay Prevention
Plaque that builds up on your teeth over time is a leading cause of cavities and tooth decay. Over time, it can harden and turn into tartar. Both these substances are acidic and contain bacteria. Acid combined with bacteria damages the protective enamel of the teeth, making them vulnerable to decay.
Plaque can accumulate on the teeth even if your oral hygiene routine is excellent. Once plaque turns into tartar, it becomes impossible to remove by just brushing and flossing your teeth at home. Regular professional teeth cleanings that utilize specialized tools help effectively remove plaque and tartar and prevent tooth deterioration in the long run.
In addition, you can get a fluoride treatment as the final step of a professional cleaning. Fluoride helps restore minerals in teeth and improve their strength and resistance to bacteria.
Gum Disease and Tooth Loss Prevention
Built-up plaque can lead to cavities and periodontal disease, the main reason for tooth loss. Progressed gum disease can also damage the jawbone that supports the teeth. As a result, teeth become mobile and eventually fall out.
Regular professional teeth cleanings can prevent gum disease or help treat it in its early stages, consequently preventing tooth loss. Also, during cleaning, your dentist will spot any potential issues with your oral health and recommend an appropriate and timely course of action.
A Brighter Smile
Many people think that teeth whitening is the only way to brighten up the smile. However, a professional teeth cleaning can be effective in removing surface stains and plaque film that make your teeth appear discolored. Therefore, you can enjoy a brighter and more healthy-looking smile after a cleaning.
Bad Breath Prevention
Bacteria that linger in the plaque and tartar and tooth decay are the main causes of bad breath. Regularly removing plaque and tartar from your teeth at a dental office prevents further bacterial growth in the mouth and reduces the risk of decay and bad breath.
Better Overall Health
Infections in the mouth are dangerous not only for the health of your teeth but for your overall health, too. In fact, gum disease, for example, is associated with cardiovascular and digestive system issues, lung problems, and arthritis. In addition, having an ongoing infection in the mouth jeopardizes the immune system and can lead to life-threatening sepsis if left untreated. Routine professional teeth cleanings can help you enjoy overall better health and quality of life.
Complex and Expensive Treatment Prevention
Severe tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease require money and time-consuming treatments. For example, a root canal treatment combined with a dental crown can cost you up to several thousand dollars. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can take up to a year for an entire course of treatment and also cost thousands of dollars. In comparison, a professional teeth cleaning is relatively inexpensive and can help you avoid more complex treatments in the future by keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to call our dental office today and make an appointment for teeth cleaning in Pomona. Our specialists use high-quality materials and modern techniques to help improve and maintain your oral health. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our office.
