A dental cleaning is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your teeth’s health. Regular cleanings help us spot small problems before they become big ones, such as broken fillings.
Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar, which can cause tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health issues. They also reduce bad breath.
Gum disease
Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in the plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth over time. If this plaque is left to build up, it can infect the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth, causing gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) or periodontitis (a severe infection that may cause bone loss and tooth loss).
The earlier you treat gum disease, the more likely you are to have healthy gums for life. Regular professional cleanings and daily flossing can help reduce the risk of gum disease.
Your hygienist will use a special tool to remove hardened plaque on and between your teeth, as well as under your gum line where brushing can’t reach. For stubborn stains or plaque trapped under your gum line, she’ll provide a deeper cleaning with an ultrasonic scaler.
Visiting the dentist regularly is also an important part of maintaining your oral health. During these appointments, your hygienist will examine your gums for signs of early gum disease, and check for calculus (tartar) below the gum line.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common problems facing patients and it can be very difficult to spot. But there are some key signs to look out for that indicate the need to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
The earliest stage of tooth decay, called demineralization, is usually preventable if a sound oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are maintained. This is when bacteria metabolize sugars present in foods and drink, causing acid that eats away at the minerals in your teeth’s enamel.
As this starts to happen, a chalky white appearance can appear on the teeth’s surface. This is an indicator of the loss of calcium.
This process is a serious threat to your tooth’s health and can lead to the formation of cavities, which are tiny holes in the teeth’s hard enamel. The damage from these holes can then extend to the inner layer of a tooth’s crown, known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. If it is infected, a painful infection known as pus can form. The pain and discomfort from this can reach beyond the root of your tooth, affecting your gums and even your tongue.
Tooth stains
Tooth stains are one of the most common reasons to visit your dentist. They are caused by a number of different factors, including your diet, medications and oral hygiene habits.
Extrinsic tooth stains, which occur on the surface of your teeth, are easily treated by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. They are also usually more susceptible to teeth whitening treatments, because they respond well to the dental tools used during cleanings and whitening sessions.
Intrinsic stains, which occur beneath the surface of your teeth, are more difficult to treat. They can be caused by a number of factors, including oral hygiene habits, medication use and excessive fluoride use.
The best way to avoid tooth stains is to practice good oral hygiene and maintain a healthy diet. Visiting your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning will also help keep plaque levels down, which prevents staining.
Oral cancer
When it comes to preventing oral cancer, one of the most effective methods is to receive routine screenings. In particular, you should be on the lookout for a number of red flags that indicate an affliction, including ulcers, lesions, rough or discolored patches of mouth tissue, and sores that bleed easily.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has made it clear that all adult patients should receive at least one oral cancer screening a year. The ADA claims that screenings are not only good for your health but can save you time, money, and pain in the future.
During your next professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of the lips, tongue, gums, cheek lining, and throat, and may even use a high tech tool called a Bios/Screen oral exam light to check for any telltale signs of oral cancer. If they detect something that a normal sized mouth can’t, then the dentist will probably suggest a biopsy to get to the bottom of it all.
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