The Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings: Separating Fact from Fiction

Your semi-annual dental cleaning appointment is coming up, but you may feel confident in your daily oral hygiene routine and feel that your teeth are fine. Despite this, dentists and dental hygienists perform these cleanings at their office, usually alongside a comprehensive dental exam. Skipping this appointment may seem harmless, but it is important to understand the benefits of professional dental cleanings.

Brushing vs. Professional Cleaning

Brushing your teeth regularly offers many benefits, such as:

• Preventing decay
• Preventing gum disease
• Saving you money in the long run
• A clean mouth feeling
• Giving you fresh breath confidence

It's crucial to remember that no amount of at-home brushing and flossing can get rid of all the plaque and tartar that accumulate on and between your teeth. This accumulation can cause gum disease and cavities if left unchecked.

Reasons to Visit a Dental Clinic for Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings offer several advantages over regular brushing at home. A deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist can effectively remove stubborn plaque and prevent gum disease from advancing. This type of cleaning can also remove bacteria that causes bad breath, and prevent cavities from forming. In addition, professional cleanings can brighten your teeth by removing stubborn stains caused by substances such as coffee, wine, or tea.

Myths about skipping professional cleaning

Myth 1: Cleaning or scaling your teeth may weaken them

Reality: There are numerous things that can harm your teeth, but tooth cleaning or scaling is not one of them.Scaling or cleaning your teeth removes calculus and stubborn plaque that are too difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing. It's required to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Myth 2: Cleaning teeth involves the removal of enamel.

Reality: Ultrasonic scaling is used to remove tough calculus from teeth's surfaces, performed with circular scaling tips that are mechanically vibrated and irrigated continuously. It's safe for enamel and other oral tissues.

Myth 3: Dental cleaning can create sensitivity.

Reality: Dental cleaning removes plaque and calculus to prevent gum shrinkage. Scaling can cause temporary tooth sensitivity, which improves within a few days. Sensitivity toothpaste with potassium nitrate can help reduce sensitivity.

Myth 4: Tooth movement may result after dental cleaning.

Reality: Tooth mobility is not caused by scaling unless periodontitis is present. Periodontitis can be avoided with routine professional scaling and examinations.

By allowing plaque and tartar to build up between professional cleanings, you run the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. A dental hygienist can successfully remove tough plaque, prevent gum disease, whiten your teeth, and maintain a fresh, clean mouth with routine cleanings. Avoid the misconceptions about professional cleanings and make sure to book an appointment for your next visit to maintain excellent dental health.