What is Teeth Cleaning?
When was the last time you visited the dentist for a cleaning and examination? If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may be wondering what is included in a professional teeth cleaning. Below is information about professional teeth cleanings, including what they are, if they are necessary for all patients, and common oral health issues that can occur when teeth aren’t regularly cleaned and examined.
What is Teeth Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning is a procedure in which a dental hygienist thoroughly cleans the teeth of a patient with special tools. During the process, the teeth, gums, jawbone, and overall oral cavity are also examined. This may include the use of dental X-rays. These X-rays are safe and are required to see the patient’s bones and teeth below the gumline.
Do I Need Teeth Cleanings?
Yes. Professional dental cleanings and checkups are required. Generally, your dentist will recommend these procedures be performed every six months, but they may recommend more frequent visits. This is especially the case if there are ongoing oral health issues that need to be addressed and monitored.
Common Oral Health Issues
There are some common oral health issues that your dentist may find during an examination. These include:
- Cavities
- Gum disease/gingivitis
- Root infection
- Teeth crowding
- Injuries
Visiting your dentist regularly is often very helpful in preventing these issues from occurring and catching them early when they do. By catching an oral health issue early, the condition can be halted and sometimes even reversed. Whatever the case may be, your dentist will decide the best course of action to address any oral health concerns.
In order to prevent issues, you’ll also want to take proper care of your oral health at home. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing. With proper care, cavities, gum disease, root infections, and other conditions can be avoided.
What if I Ignore These Issues?
Even with better at-home care, many oral health issues will not halt or reverse on their own. If issues like cavities, gum disease, and even more serious conditions are ignored, they will likely worsen. This can lead to infection, irreversible damage to the tooth and bones, receding gum lines, and even tooth loss.
It is best to receive treatment as soon as any oral health conditions are noticed. A simple way to ensure preventative measures are taken when needed is to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
Reach Out Today
If you are ready to schedule your next teeth cleaning or if you have any additional questions, reach out today. We’d be happy to answer any questions we can over the phone. From there, an examination and cleaning will likely be recommended.
We look forward to meeting you and helping provide you with preventative care.
Related Article: How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?
