The Importance of Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are an important element of your preventative dental care regimen. Cleanings are performed by qualified and registered dental hygienists who are thoroughly trained and proficient in removing tartar, plaque, and stains that you would be unable to remove on your own. Unfortunately, many people skip their bi-annual dental cleaning because they believe it is unnecessary because they wash their teeth regularly. On the other hand, dentists recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year for these reasons.
Many dental problems can be avoided simply by having your teeth cleaned by a professional. Having tartar and plaque removed by a dental hygienist reduces your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. These problems can cause your teeth to break down quickly or crumble and leave you with unsightly and catastrophic dental problems.
Cleaning your teeth regularly is important, but dental cleaning is different from your regular routine. Aside from just polishing your teeth, dental cleanings are an excellent way to get an overall checkup and ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy and free of decay or other problems.
What Happens If You Skip Dental Cleanings
Cleanings regularly can help discover problems before they worsen and prevent some problems from happening in the first place. Some of the consequences of failing to schedule regular dental cleanings include:
Cavities
Cavities and tooth decay can develop behind built-up tartar and plaque, which is virtually hard to remove on your own. Tooth decay can also form between teeth, making it challenging to maintain your dental health at home and necessitating treatment at a dental facility.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is another common consequence of failing to maintain a regular dental-cleaning schedule. Gum disease is caused by microscopic organisms that flourish in plaque and tartar, and it can quickly become severe, leading to tooth and bone loss.
Tooth Loss
If left untreated, severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even death of the jawbone, which supports the teeth, in the most severe cases. By having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly, you can help avoid the development of gum disease.
Bad Breath
Tartar buildup in and around your teeth can also lead to bad breath and halitosis. Even if you brush your teeth regularly, it may not be enough to remove the buildup and keep halitosis at bay.
Tooth Stains
When you neglect your teeth for long periods, the natural colour of your teeth can become stained, which makes your teeth look dull and discoloured. Dental stains can make your teeth look dark or yellow, and if they aren’t removed, they can turn into a severe problem.
What to Expect During Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings will start with a quick exam of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Your dentist or hygienist will use a unique tool to find any hidden pockets of plaque and use a deep-cleaning brush or dental picks to remove the plaque. Dental x-rays may be taken, and your dentist or hygienist may also use a unique cleaning solution to help remove stains or tartar.
Conclusion
As you can see, neglecting dental cleanings can lead to severe consequences and problems, which is why it is important to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist. Most dental insurance plans cover dental cleanings, so you should also check with your plan to see what kind of coverage you have.
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