Do You Need a Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Thorough brushing and flossing are essential for your oral and overall well-being. However, it’s not enough. There is still a risk of bacterial plaque and tartar buildup over time, which makes you vulnerable to oral issues like cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. That’s where routine dental cleanings come in!

Dental check-ups and cleanings should also be part of your oral hygiene routine. They help eliminate bacterial plaque and tartar, significantly reducing your risk of oral diseases. Most dental experts recommend having professional teeth cleanings at least twice yearly.

Like many, you may wonder why you need regular dental cleanings in Merrimack, NH. Please keep reading to learn what to expect from routine dental cleanings and how it benefits you!

Professional Teeth Cleaning: What to Expect

• Medical History. Once you visit our general dentist in Merrimack, they will begin by learning about your medical history to understand you better. They might ask you about existing and previous oral and health issues like gum disease and diabetes. They might also ask about allergies and lifestyle habits like smoking.
• Oral exam. Before cleaning your teeth, the dentist will inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and other complications. Be sure to notify the dentist if you have experienced any new changes or problems since your last visit. If any problem is detected, the dentist will provide a suitable treatment.
• Dental cleaning. After the exam, the dentist uses special tools to scrap off bacterial plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gum line. You can’t eliminate tartar by regular brushing and flossing – you need professional teeth cleaning. After that, your teeth are cleaned, flossed, and polished to give them a brighter smile. The dentist might also provide preventive treatments to reduce your risk of oral conditions.

What’s the difference between a typical dental cleaning and deep cleaning?

Typically, these procedures are similar and aim to remove bacterial tartar and plaque from the teeth and around the gums. If you have an excessive buildup of plaque and tartar or have gum disease, the dentist can recommend a deep cleaning, also known as root scaling and planing.

The dentist or hygienist removes plaque and calculus from the teeth and gum line in a deep cleaning. The dentist also smoothens the tooth’s root. Since the procedure is more invasive, you’ll be numbed to prevent discomfort and keep you comfortable. Visit our dentist near you if you haven’t had a professional tooth cleaning recently.

How often can you have dental cleanings?

Typically, it depends on the person how often you need a dental cleaning. Patients with a higher risk of periodontal disease or cavities might need more frequent teeth cleanings.

Why are routine professional cleanings important?

There are numerous benefits of routine dental cleanings, including:

• Prevent oral problems: Routine dental cleanings help remove bacterial tartar and plaque, reducing your risk of developing oral issues like cavities, bad breath, teeth yellowing, and gum disease.
• Good oral and overall health: Dental cleanings reduce your risk of oral issues, keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy, functional, and beautiful. Good oral health also translates to good overall health. For instance, it reduces the risk of serious health issues like diabetes and heart problems.
• Early detection and treatment of oral conditions: Routine dental cleanings help catch developing oral problems early when treatment is more effective, quicker, less uncomfortable, and cheaper. If left undetected for long, these conditions will likely worsen gradually, leading to long-term complications like tooth loss and the need for invasive, uncomfortable, and expensive treatments.
• A brighter smile: Bacterial plaque and tartar buildup can give your teeth a dull or yellowed appearance. A professional cleaning can help remove these deposits and minimize external stains from coffee and tea. It gives you a brighter, more youthful, and dazzling smile.

Maintaining a healthy mouth between dental cleanings

Routine dental cleanings are just a part of your oral hygiene routine. Use these tips to maintain a healthy mouth in between your dental cleanings:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste.
• Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.
• Replace it every 3 – 4 Months
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
• Always stay hydrated
• Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods.

Schedule an appointment today

Are you ready to schedule your next professional teeth cleaning? Contact Yelena Popkova, DDS -Merrimack, for more information.