Dental cleanings serve many purposes. Men and women often schedule a cleaning because they want a brighter smile, but the cleaning helps to protect their overall health. Researchers have found oral health and general health remain closely linked, and dentists might detect potential or existing problems during a cleaning. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, and bone loss are only a few of the conditions that may be found during the cleaning.

Although brushing and flossing after every meal helps to keep teeth clean, regular dental cleanings remove plaque and ensure they remain healthy. Adults and children alike need to speak to their dentist to determine the frequency of these cleanings for optimal oral health.

What is the Purpose of a Dental Cleaning?

Even with regular brushing and flossing, individuals find hard deposits build up on the teeth. These hard deposits lead to tooth decay if they remain on the teeth and can bring about health problems. During the cleaning, the dental hygienist removes this plaque to reduce the risk of enamel loss, tooth decay, and gingivitis.

Child Dental Cleanings

Children often feel uncomfortable visiting the dentist, as they have a fear of the unknown. Parents must select a dentist trained in dealing with children and easing these fears. Dental cleanings need to start at a young age to ensure the baby teeth grow in properly and remain healthy.

Children develop dental issues just as adults do, but don’t understand how or why to care for their teeth. Parents and dentists need to work together to show them how to prevent oral health issues, such as cavities and gingivitis. Regular dental cleanings offer an opportunity to educate children on good oral health.

Adult Cleanings

Adults likewise need to have their teeth cleaned twice a year or as the dentist recommends. Good oral health remains of importance throughout life. As a person ages, the risk of oral infection increases and the protective enamel wears away. This increases the risk of cavities, and older adults should brush and floss their teeth after every meal to minimize this risk.

The Benefits of Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings benefit individuals in several ways. Gum disease begins when plaque builds up on the teeth, yet people can’t see the whitish film. When the plaque remains on the teeth, it destroys the jaw bone and loosen teeth. Over time, the teeth fall out. Regular dental cleanings remove this plaque to protect the bone and the teeth.

Plaque also causes cavities, as it is acidic and eats at the tooth enamel. Over time, cavities develop. Sadly, regular brushing and flossing can’t remove all plaque, which makes dental cleanings more important.

Dental cleanings provide the patient with a brighter smile, Certain foods and beverages stain the teeth as does tobacco. The dental cleaning removes the stains, leaving behind polished teeth for a whiter, brighter smile.

Bad breath plagues many Americans. They brush, floss, use mouthwash, and watch what they eat, but the problem never goes away. During a dental cleaning, the dentist looks for potential causes of halitosis or bad breath. The patient might suffer from periodontal disease, dry mouth, or another condition leading to the bad breath. When they can’t identify a cause for the bad breath, the dentist might refer the individual to their physician for further investigation.

Oral health and overall health remain closely linked. Regular cleanings reduce a person’s risk of stroke, heart attack, and dementia. In addition, they help to prevent diabetes, low birth weight, and premature birth.

People often say they skip dental cleanings to save money. These cleanings cost significantly less than restorative procedures needed to treat cavities, gum disease, and more. Preventative care remains the best option for keeping dental costs under control, and regular cleanings are the first line of defense against problems.

Why Do People Avoid Regular Dental Visits?

Men and women often avoid the dentist and harm their oral health in the process. Some people do so because they have sensitive teeth and a trip to the dentist is uncomfortable. Dentists offer a variety of treatment options to minimize or eliminate the pain and keep the patient comfortable.

Sensitivity occurs when the enamel on the outer portion of the teeth wears away. This occurs as a person ages, but may also be linked to what they eat or improper oral care. Address this problem immediately, as desensitizing toothpastes only help to some extent. A dentist helps to reduce sensitivity by treating the patient with fluoride or a sealant. Speak to the dentist today about any problems that one is experiencing with the teeth to find solutions.

Other people avoid the dentist as they have a fear of dental work. Dentists understand this and work with patients to make them comfortable. This might involve the use of sedation during a visit or other options may be offered. Speak to the dentist to learn what may be of benefit to you.

Education

Dental cleanings offer the perfect opportunity for dentists and staff members to educate patients about proper oral care. Topics discussed at this time include which toothbrush and toothpaste to use, how to brush properly, and how often to floss the teeth. Brushing removes bacteria and sugar from the tooth while fluoride toothpastes strengthen them. Most people floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria from between the teeth and other hard-to-reach places, but the dentist may recommend flossing after every meal. It’s best to learn what you need for your unique dental situation. Finally, learn whether you need an antibacterial mouthwash or other rinse after brushing.

During a dental cleaning, the staff provides information about diet and its role in oral health. For instance, patients need to take in lots of water and eat a healthy diet full of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, green vegetables, and more. These foods provide the nutrients needed to stay healthy.