Why Are Dental Cleanings Essential?

Dental cleaning aims to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup from the teeth. Removing these substances from the mouth prevents decay, gingivitis, and other severe infections. During a cleaning appointment at Care 'N' Cure Dental, our dental dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth, floss them, and apply fluoride to help strengthen the enamel of your teeth. This procedure generally takes about an hour to complete. Most patients find that their teeth feel cleaner and look brighter after just one cleaning!

The Dangers of Poor Dental Hygiene

Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that coats your teeth. When plaque is not removed regularly, it can develop into tartar. Tartar is a hard substance that forms when plaque isn’t removed from your teeth. The buildup of plaque and tartar can release toxins that irritate the gum tissue, causing gum disease. Gum disease can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and tooth loss. Routine dental cleanings and exams can prevent these issues and allow the dentist to catch problems that might not immediately be obvious to patients.

Bacteria can also enter the bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding gums and cause infections in other body parts. These infections can be asymptomatic or cause fever, chills, and headaches. Patients who notice these symptoms should contact their dentist as soon as possible.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning?

During a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will review your dental history and ask you about any concerns. During the procedure, your dentist will use specialized tools to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth gently. They’ll polish the teeth to make it harder for plaque to stick to them in the future. Your dentist may also apply a fluoride treatment during the cleaning to protect your teeth and prevent decay.

The Benefits of Cleanings

Professional teeth cleaning has many benefits, improving your dental health. Your routine appointments are designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup from difficult-to-reach places, like deep within your gum pockets. This can help to prevent periodontal disease, improve oral health, and prevent cavities. Additionally, professional teeth cleaning gives you a fresh, clean feeling in your mouth that you won’t experience at home. And getting your teeth cleaned regularly can prevent bad breath.

Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy teeth and gums and possible tooth loss. You should schedule your dental cleaning after six months to keep your oral health on track. Get in touch with Care 'N' Cure Dental at 1901 Northwest Hwy #103, Garland, TX 75041, United States, or call (469) 298-3892 to schedule your next dental cleaning.