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Monthly teeth cleanings are vital for maintaining optimal oral health. While daily brushing and flossing are essential, they often miss areas where plaque can build up, particularly along the gumline and between teeth. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed with regular brushing. Professional cleanings are crucial because they thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. Cleanings also help maintain fresh breath and prevent more serious problems from developing. Teeth cleanings are important for the following reasons:
Missing regular teeth cleanings can lead to a variety of dental complications. When plaque isn’t properly removed, it hardens into tartar, which can cause cavities, gum inflammation, and even tooth loss over time. Skipping cleanings allows bacteria to accumulate, increasing the risk of infections in the mouth. Without regular care, early signs of gum disease may go unnoticed, allowing the condition to progress to more severe stages, such as periodontitis. The longer you go without a professional cleaning, the more challenging and costly dental treatments can become.
Teeth Cleaning Physical Examination: The dental hygienist examines your mouth to look for any signs of issues such as gum inflammation, cavities, or other oral health concerns. Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using a small mirror and a scaler, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from around your gum line and between your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed professionally. Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning: Your teeth are cleaned with a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste. This deep clean helps remove any tartar left behind by the scaler. Expert Flossing: The hygienist expertly flosses your teeth to ensure no plaque or toothpaste is left between them. This also helps identify any potential gum issues. Rinsing: You’ll rinse your mouth to remove any debris. Typically, this involves a rinse containing liquid fluoride. Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment is applied to help protect your teeth against cavities. This could be a foamy gel, varnish, or rinse.
During a dental check-up, the dentist or hygienist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. They may take X-rays to detect underlying issues, such as cavities or bone loss. The dentist will assess the overall health of your gums, check for signs of oral cancer, and review your oral hygiene routine to ensure you are following proper care practices.
The cleaning procedure typically begins with the removal of plaque and tartar using specialized tools. Afterward, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and flossed to clean between the teeth. Different types of cleanings are available depending on your needs. A standard cleaning, known as prophylaxis, is for those with healthy gums, while deeper cleanings, such as scaling and root planing, are required for patients with gum disease.
The link between missing teeth cleanings and gum disease is primarily related to the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth after eating and drinking. If not properly removed through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Tartar buildup creates an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation of the gums.
When professional cleanings are missed, plaque and tartar continue to accumulate, irritating the gums and causing gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, it is still reversible with proper dental care, but without professional intervention, it can progress into more severe forms of gum disease.
As gum disease advances, it leads to periodontitis, a condition where the inflammation spreads deeper into the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bones and ligaments. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap more bacteria and debris, further worsening the condition. This can result in bone loss, receding gums, and eventually, tooth loss.
Missing regular cleanings allows gum disease to develop unchecked because dental professionals can catch the early signs of inflammation and remove tartar that cannot be cleaned at home. Regular cleanings not only remove the bacteria that cause gum disease but also allow the dentist to assess the overall health of your gums, recommending treatments or lifestyle changes to keep gum disease at bay. Therefore, routine cleanings are essential in preventing the progression of gum disease and maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
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