How Often Should You Have Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Our hygienists perform dental cleaning in our office daily. We recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent gum disease. If you have periodontitis, prophylaxis every three to four months is preferable in conjunction with other treatments to halt the progression of gum disease.
Benefits of Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning, sometimes called dental prophylaxis, has many benefits, including:
- Plaque Removal: Tartar and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. An at-home brushing and flossing routine cannot remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized dental equipment is needed to spot and remove potentially damaging buildup.
- A Brighter Smile: Prophylaxis removes stains, yellowing, and discoloration that visually age you.
- Fresher Breath: Bad breath (or halitosis) usually results from rotting food debris trapped between the teeth or below the gum line. This can lead to infection or gangrene, causing bad breath. Professional teeth cleaning removes the debris and reduces or eliminates infection-causing bacteria.
- Monitoring of Teeth and Gums: During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist checks for signs of periodontal disease, cavities, infection, and oral cancer.
What to Expect During Teeth Cleaning
Dental prophylaxis begins with a medical history. Your dental hygienist will ask questions about your overall health and any concerns you have about your oral health. They will update your records, including any medications you are taking. Once your records are current, they will begin your treatment.
Dental Inspection
During a dental checkup, the dental hygienist examines your gums and probes the area with a special dental tool to measure the depth of your gum tissue to determine whether the gums are receding. If your gums have receded, pockets around the base of the teeth may accumulate bacteria and food debris. The hygienist will also inspect your teeth to check for damage, loosened teeth, cracks, chips, cavities, and other problems that will be brought to your dentist’s attention.
Cleaning
Dental cleaning uses specialized dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gum line. Next, your teeth are polished with mildly abrasive toothpaste and a rotating electric toothbrush. This removes surface stains and polishes your teeth, removing any remaining tartar. Finally, your dental hygienist will floss between your teeth to ensure there is no plaque in hard-to-reach areas. When your cleaning is complete, rinse your mouth with water. Depending on your oral health, we may also have you rinse your mouth with a fluoride solution to protect your teeth between visits.
The Importance of Early Detection
One of the major benefits of professional teeth cleaning appointments is the opportunity to detect dental issues early. During the cleaning process, your dentist or hygienist will check for signs of cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Early detection of these conditions enables more effective treatments, helping prevent more serious complications in the future.
This is why we recommend scheduling cleanings every six months—so we can spot and address any potential issues before they become major concerns.
What Happens If You Skip Professional Cleanings?
Regular professional teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. Skipping these appointments can lead to a variety of dental problems, including:
- Increased risk of gum disease: Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis and more severe periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss if left untreated.
- Cavities and tooth decay: Plaque is one of the leading causes of cavities, and a lack of professional cleaning can cause tooth decay to progress rapidly.
- Bad breath: Chronic bad breath is often a result of neglected dental hygiene, which can be remedied by regular cleanings.
Neglecting regular dental visits can also lead to more costly treatments later down the road. It’s much more affordable and effective to prevent issues through professional cleaning than to wait until they require more invasive procedures.
Preventive Care is Key to Long-Term Oral Health
Regular professional teeth cleaning is not just about cleaning your teeth — it's an investment in your overall health. Preventive care, such as regular cleanings, helps detect oral health problems early, before they become serious issues. By visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams, you reduce your risk of serious conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Why Choose Us for Your Teeth Cleaning in Bethesda, MD?
At the Bethesda Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide exceptional dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Our team of professionals is committed to ensuring your dental hygiene is at its best, and our office is equipped with the latest technology to provide effective, efficient cleanings. Whether you are due for your routine cleaning or have more specific concerns about your oral health, our team is here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Schedule your appointment today!
