You likely already know that dental cleanings are important, but do you know why? It’s not just because your dentist says so! Aside from your daily brushing and flossing habits, regular dental cleanings are one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your long-term oral health. Here’s why we recommend never skipping a dental cleaning.
It’s the Best Way to Remove Tartar
When you brush and floss your teeth, you’ll remove most of the plaque that has accumulated throughout the day. Even with excellent brushing habits, though, you still might have plaque buildup along the gumline or in hard-to-reach spots. When this plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into a sticky substance called tartar, or calculus.
Tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing; it needs to be removed with professional tools. This is why your at-home oral hygiene habits and regular dental cleanings go hand-in-hand. Tartar harbors harmful bacteria that causes both tooth decay and gum disease, so by removing tartar buildup, your risk of getting cavities and gum disease is instantly lowered. If you want to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for decades to come, regular dental cleanings are key!
You’ll Also Prevent New Tartar From Forming
That fresh-from-the-dentist feeling isn’t all in your head! Once the plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth, your hygienist will polish them, making them shiny and smooth. It’s not just about aesthetics or feeling fresh, though—polishing your teeth serves an important purpose, too.
When the surface of your tooth is smooth, it makes it harder for new plaque and tartar deposits to “stick.” Polishing your teeth gives them natural resistance to tartar buildup, giving you another layer of protection against tooth decay and gum disease.
It’s an Easy Way to Brighten Your Smile
If you have minor stains on your teeth, your hygienist may be able to remove them or improve their appearance during your dental cleaning. Not only will you leave our office with teeth that feel cleaner, they’ll look cleaner too! If you do have more significant staining, a dental cleaning is a great first step before getting teeth whitening treatments, as it will remove the plaque and tartar that coats the surfaces of your teeth, allowing whitening products to penetrate better.
You’ll Improve Your Overall Health
There is growing evidence demonstrating the link between your oral health and your overall health. We know that gum disease causes inflammation—it’s believed that this inflammation extends beyond the mouth, into the whole body, potentially causing cardiovascular issues and putting patients at higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Poor oral health has also been linked to diabetes and preterm birth, and the bacteria in your mouth can cause infection elsewhere in your body.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning
Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for dental cleanings, but if you have a history of gum disease or other serious oral health issues, you may require more frequent appointments. If you’re due for a dental cleaning, contact us today at 519-821-3561 to schedule an appointment at Bisson Dentistry.