health

The Vital Role of Dental Cleanings in Oral Hygiene

The Brookline general dentist emphasizes getting a professional teeth cleaning at least once a year. Family dentists and their team of oral hygienists offer oral wellness through routine dental cleanings that are essential to keep your teeth cavity-free and sparkling.

This informative blog will help you understand the reason and importance behind professional dental cleanings. Let’s explore their benefits.

A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a professional procedure performed by a dental or oral hygienist or a family dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from the teeth. 

What are the benefits offered by dental cleanings? 

You can expect the following benefits:

Plaque and tartar removal: regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, which cannot be adequately addressed by brushing and flossing alone.

Prevent gum disease: Dental cleanings can prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar and reducing inflammation of the gums.

Fresher breath: Dental cleanings help eliminate bacteria that can cause bad breath. By removing plaque and food debris, professional cleanings can leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean. 

Early detection of dental issues: During a cleaning procedure, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth. This allows for the early detection of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health concerns. 

Improved oral health: Maintaining good oral health through regular cleanings has been linked to improved overall health. 

Smile rejuvenation: Dental cleanings and polishing can impart a radiant sparkle to your teeth, improving your smile. 

What are the types of teeth cleanings?

There are different types of dental cleanings depending on your requirements and oral health condition:

Prophylaxis cleaning

  • This is a professional cleaning done to prevent disease. 
  • This is common for people who have healthy mouths.

Scaling and root planning

  • These are non-invasive procedures that are more extensive than regular brushing and flossing. 
  • Scaling removes dental plaque by scraping the tooth surfaces using small dental scalers.
  • Root planing helps to smoothen the root surfaces, aiding a firm attachment between the gums and teeth. 

Full mouth debridement

  • This dental procedure is recommended if you have poor oral habits and have avoided dental checkups for too long.
  • Also known as gross cleaning, it involves thorough deep cleaning of the mouth.
  • The procedure uses ultrasonic tools and local anesthesia to numb sensitive areas while cleaning.  

Overall, dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing gum disease, and promoting oral health. They are typically recommended every six months, although frequency may vary depending on individual oral health needs.