If it's been a while since your last dental cleaning, it may be time to schedule a visit. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash are all good for you, but plaque bacteria will still build up if you don't visit a dentist.
The best way to get rid of plaque and bacteria is to have a dentist clean your teeth. Here at Dorsey Family Dental in Ellicott City, MD, we have a professional team who will answer any questions and provide the quality cleaning you deserve.
What Is a Teeth Cleaning?
Once you come in for an appointment at our Ellicott City, MD dental practice, you'll realize that cleaning involves much more than just brushing your teeth. During the appointment, the dental hygienist will examine your mouth, remove plaque and tartar, and flush out contaminants to give your mouth a deep clean.
You might ask why you need your teeth cleaned if you already brush and floss. The answer is that many types of bacteria can build up over time that a simple toothbrush or personal hygiene routine will not remove.
Why Do We Need Dental Teeth Cleaning?
Without teeth cleaning, many people face permanent tooth loss. If you do not get your teeth cleaned regularly, the plaque and tartar that build up can lead to complete tooth loss.
Skipping a cleaning can be very bad for you because the plaque in hard-to-reach places will harden into tartar. This build-up is even harder to remove. Skipping an appointment can also cause infections and cavities.
What Are the Signs that You Need a Cleaning?
- It has been six months or longer since your last cleaning
- Plaque buildup
- Bleeding or red gums
- Jaw pain
- Tooth discoloration
What are the Benefits of Teeth Cleaning?
1. Prevent Poor Oral Health
The most well-known reason for getting your teeth cleaned is preventing cavities. They may be subtle, but they worsen over time and lead to a miserable mouth. You may not know you have a cavity, putting you at risk of severe toothaches, infection, and loss if untreated.
2. Decrease Risk of Health Complications
Most people believe that poor dental hygiene only affects the mouth. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Poorly maintained teeth have the potential to cause major complications throughout the entire body. By stopping in for regular cleanings annually, you can prevent the risk of heart disease, stroke, and gum disease (periodontitis).
3. Boost Confidence
A regular visit to your dentist doesn't just make you healthier; it increases self-esteem and leads to a happier self-image. Patients are always thrilled to see how much a routine cleaning brightens their smile. Cleanings also freshen your breath and make patients feel more comfortable socializing.
4. Save Time and Money
Routine cleanings prevent lifelong complications from taking over your mouth, which are expensive. Save time, money, and agony spent dealing with major reconstructive dental work by having your teeth cleaned this year.
What to Expect: Our Cleaning Procedure
A simple teeth clean can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Here are a few things every teeth cleaning dentist does:
- A full-mouth physical exam
- Remove plaque and tartar
- Gritty toothpaste cleaning
- Expert flossing
- Applying fluoride treatment
In-Between Teeth Cleanings, Make Sure To...
Between appointments, keep your teeth healthy and prevent infection:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss daily
- Avoid sweets!
When searching for dental cleaning near you, we know you're looking for the best care in the area. That's why we make it easy for you to book appointments and receive the cleanest smile possible. Submit a contact request form or call us today to get the quality dental care you deserve.