Importance of Dental Cleanings

Few people realize the connection between general health and oral health. Excellent oral health is extremely important because having healthy teeth and gums can improve overall health by lowering the risk of heart disease, improving gut health, and improving mood and self-image. There are many important benefits to keeping the teeth and gums healthy so it’s no surprise that scheduling regular dental cleanings are high on the list of priorities for any health-conscious individual.

At Lakeside Dental we encourage patients to schedule frequent, regular dental cleanings because proper dental care can make a big difference in the patient’s overall health.

What is a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a dental procedure that’s performed regularly to cleans and freshen the teeth and gums. During the cleaning, plaque and tartar buildup is removed from the surface of the teeth and afterward, teeth polishing, or whitening may be performed to complete the appointment. Typically, dental cleaning is done as a preventative procedure that paves the way for optimal dental health throughout life.

Dental cleanings, also known as teeth cleanings, are in some ways similar to regular “checkups” at the doctor’s office. Even if you feel great and believe you’re in good health, having regular checkups at the doctor’s office ensures that you’re not missing anything and that you truly are healthy on all levels. The same is true when it comes to taking care of your teeth! Having a regular dental “checkup” and cleaning can make a huge difference in not only your oral health but also in your general physical health.

What is the importance of dental cleanings?

Dental cleanings are incredibly important. In fact, at Lakeside Dental we regard dental cleanings as one of the most important procedures that we perform to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile and fantastic oral health. Dental cleanings have many important benefits, but here are just a few of the most important:

● Removal of plaque and tartar

During a dental cleaning, your dentist will remove leftover plaque and tartar that you may have missed during your regular brushing and flossing routine. Plaque and tartar, also known as biofilms, build-up on the surface of the teeth and between the teeth as well as underneath your gums. They can cause problems such as gum disease, cavities, and periodontitis if they aren’t removed. During a teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth which will also make it possible to remove harmful, toxic bacteria that grow underneath the plaque and tartar.

● Whitening and polishing

Regular visits to the dentist’s office for dental cleanings leave patients with a brilliantly white, healthy smile! When we provide dental cleanings, we make sure to whiten and remove stains from our patients’ teeth and polish the teeth in turn. This way, our patients leave the office feeling proud of their pearly whites! There’s no better feeling than having both a great smile and healthy teeth and gums.

● Analysis of teeth positioning and alignment

When you get a dental cleaning, your dentist will also check in on the positioning and alignment of your teeth. If there’s something that can be improved with braces, Invisalign, or another cosmetic or health-related treatment, your dentist will know right away and be able to recommend the best course of action according to your unique situation. When you schedule regular dental cleanings with the same dentist, teeth movement, the development of gum disease, or other issues related to teeth or mouth tissues will be easier to observe, and therefore easier to treat.

How regularly should I schedule a dental cleaning?

Because dental cleanings are so important, it’s smart to develop a dental cleaning schedule to follow. Although the recommended time between each dental cleaning may vary slightly from patient-to-patient, at Lakeside Dental we recommend that our patients schedule dental cleaning appointments every 6 months.

What to Expect from a Dental Cleaning

We provide our patients with a relaxing and predictable dental cleaning procedure. Because dental cleanings should be regular, we want to give you the best and most enjoyable experience possible! Here’s what to expect at an average dental cleaning at Lakeside Dental:

1. First, your dentist or hygienist will assess the tartar and plaque build-up on your teeth and will analyze the overall structure, health, and appearance of your jaw and teeth. Then the cleaning will begin.
2. During the cleaning, plaque and tartar will be removed using a scraper or scaler. There’s no need for anesthesia during this process and patients are totally awake and able to communicate. In fact, this part of the cleaning process can even be pleasant for some people.
3. After all the plaque and tartar has been removed, your hygienist or dentist will polish and brighten your teeth. Polishing is intended to make the surface of your teeth smoother, and less likely to have bacteria and biofilm build-up in the future.
4. As the last stage of the cleaning, your dentist will perform an oral cancer check that involves an examination of the tongue, the roof of the mouth, lips, and the insides of the cheeks to ensure that the color and texture are normal and healthy. This is usually quick and non-invasive.
5. Finally, after the cleaning is finished, your dentist will discuss possible ways to improve your oral hygiene, and if they’ve noticed anything unusual during the cleaning, they will share their insights at this time.

When your dental cleaning is finished and you’re getting ready to walk out of the clinic, this is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for your next cleaning! Scheduling your next dental cleaning in this way ensures that you don’t forget to make an appointment, and it also keeps your appointments evenly spaced.

Early Cancer Detection and Dental Cleanings

Besides being a great way to maintain good oral health, scheduling regular dental cleaning appointments can offer patients peace of mind. Oral cancer is a serious epidemic in the United States, with cancer claiming one life every hour across the nation. Although these are scary numbers, it’s reassuring to know that oral cancer is often preventable and treatable if caught in the early stages. If you create a habit of scheduling regular dental cleanings, it’s more likely that your dentist would be able to identify oral cancer in its early stages and help you find ways to fight cancer. However, without regular cleanings, oral cancer can go unnoticed and untreated for a long time.

Conclusion

Regular dental cleanings are vital for individuals who want to have excellent oral health and a fantastic smile. At Lakeside Dental, we provide our patients with peace-of-mind and high-quality dental cleanings designed to boost not only their oral health but also general health and well-being. Contact us today!