Brushing your teeth twice a day just before you start your day and right before you go to bed may appear to be all the work you need to put in. You could be dreading coming to the dentist's office and wondering, "Is teeth cleaning necessary?" Yes, frequent professional cleanings https://www.centurymedicaldental.com/dentistry/teeth-cleaning/ are vital for both your teeth and general wellness. During a professional cleaning, your hygienist and dentist will look for and address any issues that you may have missed during at-home cleanings, including hard-set plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist will also do an oral cancer screening and assess the quality of your teeth and any existing restorations. What Exactly Happens During a Dental Cleaning? The first stage in teeth cleaning is for a dental hygienist to physically examine your teeth. During this examination, the hygienist will inspect your teeth and gums. The goal of this check is to look for prospective problems such as gum disease, gingivitis, cavities, and failing dental work, as it is preferable to detect these issues sooner rather than later. After your hygienist completes their first evaluation, they will begin cleaning your teeth. The cleaning process begins with the removal of any leftover plaque or tartar buildup. Tartar removal can be aided by a variety of equipment, including a scaler, a tiny instrument used to pick away hard-set buildups. You may hear scraping, but it is quite normal and harmless. Ultrasonic devices vibrate and eliminate tartar and stains. After removing the plaque and tartar, your hygienist will clean your teeth using a special gritty toothpaste and a high-power brush. This gritty toothpaste gently scrapes away any leftover build-up. Your hygienist will also discuss whether to rinse or apply a fluoride gel. Why Are They Done Every Six Months? Regular dental cleanings can help prevent and delay the spread of gum disease before it becomes a serious issue. A hygienist can detect symptoms of this condition, such as red and swollen gums, during a dental cleaning. Identifying the problem early on simplifies the treatment procedure. Identifying the problem early on simplifies the treatment procedure. Even if you don't suspect you have this condition, we recommend arranging an appointment. You never know what possible issues are lying in the background. Many systemic disorders, including diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea, exhibit oral symptoms. Your dental hygienist is trained to recognize and discuss these indications with you and your dentist. Cleaning can also help reduce plaque buildup. While brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day will help eliminate plaque, it can be extremely difficult to remove after it has hardened. The bacteria in plaque can develop cavities and contribute to the systemic disorders listed above. Care for Your Teeth Between Cleanings The first step is as easy as changing your toothpaste. Toothpaste with fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by combating plaque, so consider replacing what you're presently using with something more effective. Brushing your teeth does not always totally clean them, therefore flossing is another alternative for improving your dental health. Flossing between your teeth eliminates plaque and other material left in your mouth after brushing. If flossing irritates your gums, consider using a water flosser instead of dental floss. In addition, you might not be flossing properly. If you have a manual toothbrush, you might want to consider switching to an electric toothbrush. Most use oscillating-rotating technology that produces a steady, severe brushing stroke. The oscillation and rotation provide a thorough cleaning of your teeth. To clean effectively, simply guide the brush head around gently. Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, you should avoid brushing too forcefully. This can wear away your natural enamel and harm your gums. What Should I Do If It Has Been Over 6 Months Since My Previous Cleaning? Your dental hygiene may have worsened over the course of 6 months or more without your knowledge. Potential complications such as gum disease may have developed, and tartar and plaque may have taken refuge in your mouth. Many dental disorders cause little discomfort until they become serious. Every six months, you should get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist for optimal oral health.