4 Signs You Need to Visit Your Dentist for Teeth Cleaning

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4 Signs You Need to Visit Your Dentist for Teeth Cleaning

Having perfect teeth isn’t a guarantee that you won’t need any dental cleaning. In fact, regardless of your brushing routine, bacteria may still remain in your mouth.

Bacteria links to the development of gum disease as well as poor health. It’s crucial that you keep these microbes at bay so that you get to enjoy using your pearly whites for longer. But how, exactly, do you know when you need teeth cleaning?

According to dental experts in teeth cleaning in Fort Lauderdale, below are signs that tell you it’s time to visit your dentist for a professional dental cleaning. 

1. Bad breath

Have you noticed that your breath has begun to smell foul recently? If bad breath doesn’t go away even with a regular oral care routine, it’s a sign that you need teeth cleaning as well as a dental checkup.

Bad breath is the unpleasant gas produced when bacteria on the teeth mix with saliva to break down food residue. Even if you brush your teeth regularly to keep bacteria down to a minimum, you still need professional cleaning once you notice that your breath smells bad. Do take note that a bad taste in your mouth can also mean a chronic dental infection that needs your dentist’s attention.

2. Teeth discoloration

Your teeth may become discolored due to stains on the surface or by the changes in the tooth material. The three main categories of teeth discoloration are:

  • Extrinsic discoloration – This happens when the enamel (outer layer of the teeth) gets stained by food like tomato sauce, berries, coffee, and wine. Smoking can also cause extrinsic stains.
  • Intrinsic discoloration – The dentin (inner structure of the tooth) darkens or has a yellow tint. The cause of this includes excessive exposure to fluoride at early childhood and the use of tetracycline antibiotics in children younger than eight years of age. 
  • Age-related discoloration – A combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Other than stains caused by food or smoking, the dentin naturally turns yellow over time. The enamel which covers your teeth becomes thinner with age, allowing the dentin to show through. Chips and other tooth injuries can also cause discoloration, especially when the pulp gets damaged.

It’s highly recommended that you rinse your mouth with water after the intake of any food or drink that may stain your teeth. Regular teeth cleaning by a dentist also significantly helps in preventing surface stains.

3. Tartar buildup

When plaque isn’t fully removed from the teeth, the bacteria in the mouth will mineralize into tartar in time. This is a hard and whitish substance you can usually see where the teeth meet the gums.

Tartar is difficult to get rid of on your own without professional help. Compared to the usual brushing and flossing at home, the steps in teeth cleaning done by a dentist are far different and designed to be effective in removing tartar. So don’t let tartar undermine the appearance of your healthy smile by missing out on dental cleanings.

4. Symptoms of gum disease

Too much bacteria in the mouth can start the development of gum disease such as gingivitis. In this case, you may experience pain in the gums and see inflamed patches.

If your gums bleed after brushing or flossing, you should be prompt in considering it as gum disease. Head to your dentist’s office for a checkup and dental cleaning to stop it from worsening. Bear in mind that periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss, so if you want to keep your teeth, you must defend yourself against this condition.

When did you last have your teeth professionally cleaned?

Whether you have a dental disease or not, you should make it a practice to visit your dentist at least every six months. If you didn’t have professional teeth cleaning during your last dental visit, it’s about time you consider making an appointment.

Even if you think your mouth looks good, remember that there are dental problems that only your dentist can determine. You never know, a simple dental visit for teeth cleaning may help your dentist find any underlying dental disease so he or she can prepare a dental care plan before it gets worse.

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