When a nice set of pearly whites are the key to appearing younger than your age, you want to know what it takes to keep your teeth clean and healthy. You may know that brushing and flossing your teeth are important, but just how often should your teeth get professionally cleaned?   Some people skip out on regular cleanings, thinking that dedicated home care is enough. Though being consistent at home is excellent for your oral health, getting regular check-ups and cleanings helps get rid of stubborn plaque and prevents bigger problems from happening.

The importance of a professional cleaning

A professional cleaning at your dentist’s office gives your teeth a deeper level of clean that you can’t get with at home care. You also get the added benefit of having your dentist check your teeth for cavities and make sure your gums are in good health. Seeing your dentist regularly will also keep your entire mouth monitored in order to detect problems while they are small and inexpensive to fix. This is far better than the alternative, waiting too long and having to perform something expensive like a root canal or dental implant.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

You should schedule a professional cleaning once every six months. This frequency allows tartar to not build up and have your dentist keep tabs on any changing conditions in your mouth. Sticking to regular appointments will reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease even more than just cleaning your teeth on your own. If you do not remain consistent with this frequency, your teeth may develop tartar that is difficult to remove and harms your gums and teeth.

What happens during a professional cleaning?

During a regular cleaning, you can expect to have your teeth thoroughly flossed and cleaned by a dental hygienist. Then, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and give you advice on how to improve or maintain your teeth. If you wish, you can get an additional fluoride treatment to help prevent cavities and strengthen your teeth. If you are suffering from highly irritated gums due to tartar build up, a professional cleaning may not be enough. In this case, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. 

Why is a regular professional cleaning important?

Professional cleanings remove stubborn plaque that would calcify against your teeth to become tartar, which is difficult to remove without the help of a dental professional. Over time, built-up tartar can negatively affect your gums and teeth, causing cavities, gum erosion, and periodontal disease. Keeping tartar at bay is essential to having a great smile. You also benefit from early detection of any problems that go beyond just cavities. Dentists are adept at pointing out the early signs of oral cancer, which when treated early can save your life. These signs may not be noticeable to the untrained eye, especially when we cannot see all the areas of our mouth. The American Dental Association also informs us that your dentist can check up on the structure of your jaw, point out any forming cysts, and detect other problems like gum disease and tooth decay early when they can still be remedied.

What can I do to keep my mouth healthy between regular check-ups?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that we brush your teeth at least twice a day and then floss your teeth once a day. You can also boost your routine by using mouthwash to help kill extra bacteria and make your breath smell minty-fresh. Another good practice is to brush your tongue regularly because a majority of the bad breath bacteria is actually living on your tongue. Between professional cleanings and check-ups, you should maintain this routine daily in order to reduce plaque build-up.

The Value of Periodic Professional Whitening

Getting professional whitening treatments to give your teeth an extra boost in aesthetic value also can’t hurt.  Sometimes neglect after drinking too many pigmented beverages like coffee or wine can stain your teeth and make them tinted to the point where even a professional cleaning can’t get rid of all the stains. Thankfully your dentist can perform a periodic professional cleaning that will make your teeth much whiter, taking years off your appearance and boosting your confidence. Strapped for time? You can also purchase a take-home whitening tray kit from your dentist that you can wear at home while you take care of your other pressing tasks. If you are looking for a more economic option, you can always opt for a whitening strip kit that you can find at your local grocery store or pharmacy. These will not be as effective as a professional treatment because they cannot contain powerful prescription-strength ingredients, but with repetitive use, you may notice an improvement in your teeth’s appearance.

Schedule your regular cleaning today!

The foundation of every healthy set of teeth is a proper daily cleaning routine and attending bi-annual professional cleanings. Don’t wait too long to let bigger and more expensive problems develop. If you have any questions about professional cleanings or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today!