We often hear dentists saying that professional teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. But, are teeth cleanings really necessary, and how do they help us improve our oral health? If you have also been searching for answers to these questions, this blog is for you.
In this blog, our dentists at Northstar Dental Care explain what teeth cleaning is and why it is essential to get your teeth cleaned professionally. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about dental cleanings.
What is Teeth Cleaning?
According to the American Dental Association, teeth cleaning is a procedure where your dentist will remove plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth. This procedure is performed to treat underlying periodontal disease.
What Happens During Teeth Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning, also known as deep cleaning, has two parts. First, your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar deposits from all the surfaces of your teeth and even below the gumline. This process is known as scaling and ensures that plaque and tartar deposits are removed from the pockets formed between the teeth and gums. Usually, scaling does not require the administration of local anesthesia. However, if your pockets are too deep and there are underlying root cavities, your dentist may consider local anesthesia. In other cases, topical anesthesia may be provided to numb the gums.
The next part of deep cleaning is root planning. This procedure involves polishing the newly cleaned teeth surfaces to prevent re-attachment of plaque and disease recurrence. This is because the chances of gum disease are higher on rough teeth surfaces than on smooth and polished ones. Root planning also helps your gums to regrow and reattach to your teeth.
Why are Teeth Cleanings Important?
Northstar Dental Care, every time a patient visits us for a checkup, we perform a detailed clinical examination. If our dentists find signs of underlying gum disease, we will take appropriate action. If the gum disease is in its early stages, we will instruct them on good oral hygiene habits and carefully monitor their progress. If a patient has advanced gum disease, we will perform professional teeth cleaning.
If you’re wondering why teeth cleanings are so important, here are some reasons for you:
- Keep you Healthy – it goes without saying that professional teeth cleanings reduce the risk of gum disease and prevent you from various other dental and medical complications.
- Healthy and Beautiful Smile – decayed teeth with plaque deposits and inflamed gums can ruin one’s smile and facial esthetics. Professional teeth cleanings help you keep your teeth sparkling clean and healthy.
- Get Rid of Bad Breath – did you know that poor oral hygiene and underlying gum diseases are one of the leading causes of bad breath? By visiting your dentist regularly and getting your teeth professionally cleaned whenever needed, you save yourself the embarrassment of bad breath.
- Save Money – professional teeth cleanings are an excellent option to prevent various dental issues. By keeping your teeth and gums cleaned, you can save yourself from various preventable problems. Moreover, by doing so, you can also save your hard-earned time and money, which would otherwise have been spent on expensive dental procedures for treatment.
What to Expect After Teeth Cleaning?
After professional teeth cleaning, you may experience that your teeth have become sensitive and your gums have swollen. You may also experience some bleeding from your gums. However, this is a transient situation and nothing to worry about. All these symptoms should go away in a few days. To accelerate the healing process, you may rinse your mouth with saltwater.
If you previously had a severe gum infection, our dentists may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the underlying infection. We may also suggest a medicated mouth rinse which will help reduce the inflammation and speed up the healing process.
How Often Do I Need to Undergo Professional Teeth Cleanings?
For patients with advanced periodontal disease, we will schedule regular visits to monitor their situation. Generally, healthy individuals may need to visit once or twice for checkups/cleanings, while those at a higher risk of developing gum disease may need to visit us more frequently.
Professional teeth cleanings may seem like a minor procedure, but they are your first-line defense against various dental and medical issues. So, book an appointment with us at Northstar Dental Care and get your teeth professionally cleaned to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.
