Patients often ask, “Why are dental cleanings important if I already take good care of my teeth?”
We love answering that question.
At The Junction Family Dental Care, we think regular dental cleanings are important for keeping your smile healthy in the long run.
In this article, we’ll break down why these cleanings matter, what you can expect at a typical appointment, and how they can help you avoid serious dental issues later on.
A dental cleaning is more than just polishing your teeth.
It's not the same as teeth whitening, either.
A pro dental cleaning, known as prophylaxis, is a preventive service carried out by a dental hygienist or dentist.
This cleaning goes further than your daily brushing by removing:
Most people should get cleanings every six months, but some may need to visit more often, depending on their oral health.
If you skip out on professional cleanings, you could run into some serious dental and overall health issues.
While these cleanings won’t whiten your teeth, the best cosmetic treatments and at-home whitening products work way better after a visit to the dental clinic.
If you don’t, your results might not last, and you could still have underlying health problems.
Who wants perfect veneers if you're at risk of losing a tooth?
Dental cleanings have several benefits.
They help prevent tooth loss and the need for implants or crowns, and they can boost your overall confidence.
Here are 6 reasons why dental cleanings are important.
Tooth decay is pretty common and can affect anyone, no matter their age.
When plaque and tartar pile up on your teeth, it creates a perfect hangout for bacteria.
Tiny germs in your mouth eat sugars and produce acids that harm your tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.
Regular dental cleanings remove these harmful deposits before they can cause serious damage, helping to keep your teeth healthy for longer.
So, even if you have a preventive oral care routine that includes brushing and flossing, a dental cleaning is still necessary.
Gum disease often starts without noticeable pain or warning signs.
If you skip regular dental cleanings, tartar can build up on your gums, making them irritated and inflamed.
This can lead to gingivitis, and if not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a serious condition that may result in tooth loss.
By keeping up with your cleanings, you can catch the early signs of gum disease and avoid bigger problems later on.
Daily habits like sipping on coffee, tea, or wine can really dull your teeth over time.
Getting regular dental cleanings helps wipe away those stains and gives your teeth a nice polish, leaving you with a brighter smile.
As you know, a fresh and sparkling smile can totally boost your confidence.
And remember, teeth whitening is a separate treatment that will last longer if you keep up with your teeth cleaning routine.
Bad breath, or halitosis, usually comes from bacteria and food that gets stuck between your teeth and gums.
Regular dental cleanings help get rid of that stuff.
Keeping up with these cleanings not only makes your breath fresher but also boosts your overall oral hygiene.
Plus, it’s great for your health and can make you feel more at ease in social and work situations.
Believe it or not, your oral health affects your overall health.
Research shows that gum disease can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.
This is concerning because if your gums are unhealthy, your body may be too.
By visiting the dentist for regular cleanings, you can keep your gums healthy and lower your risk of serious problems.
Preventive care costs less than treatment.
When dental problems like cavities or gum disease are found early, often during a routine cleaning, they can be treated quickly and cheaply.
Letting these issues go without attention can lead to more serious and expensive treatments later on, like fillings, root canals, or even tooth extractions and implants.
Most dentists recommend scheduling a professional dental cleaning every six months.
Dental cleanings are generally painless.
If you have sensitive gums or teeth, you may feel some mild discomfort.
Yes, a cleaning removes surface stains and plaque, making your teeth appear brighter and shinier.
However, for significant whitening, ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatments.
A regular cleaning focuses on the surfaces of your teeth and the gumline.
A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is recommended for patients with advanced gum disease and targets below the gumline to remove hardened tartar and bacteria.
Skipping cleanings can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, bad breath, cavities, and even tooth loss.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine exams and cleanings twice a year, making it easy and affordable to stay on top of your oral health.
You cna learn much about how much is a dental cleaning costs in Ontario here.
After reading this post, you must have a clear idea of "why are dental cleanings important".
The truth is that dental cleanings do more than just keep your teeth clean.
They help prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and even serious health problems.
At The Junction Family Dental Care, we’re all about giving you great care for your smile, no matter if it’s your first cleaning or your fiftieth.
We strive to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
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