Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings Important?

Oral health is an important part of overall physical well-being. And part of that health care consists of dental cleanings.

We sometimes get asked if teeth cleanings are really that necessary. Some people feel like they are constantly coming to the dentist (even though it’s really only twice a year). For some people, going to the dentist can produce anxiety and it can bring up a lot of fear. For others, it feels like overkill to have to go so often, especially if they have good brushing and flossing habits.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the dentist is here to assist in your well-being and health. Not to torture you and not to waste your time. Yes, it can be an uncomfortable experience, but it’s also important to note that the better your oral health habits, the easier the trips to the dentist are.

Are Teeth Cleanings Necessary?

The short answer is… yes. Let’s talk about why.

The mouth, like many parts of the body, contains bacteria. Normally it is harmless. But since the mouth is the entry point into the respiratory and digestive tracts, without proper oral care, such as daily maintenance like brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental cleanings, heavy bacteria build up in the mouth can potentially lead to sickness and disease.

Other infections can occur in the mouth from a lack of proper care, like gum disease and tooth decay. The best way to stave off or prevent these conditions is to partake in every day oral health maintenance, and to see the dentist for regularly scheduled cleanings.

Dental Cleanings = Disease Prevention

The number one reason to see your dentist or go for regular (at least once a year, hopefully twice a year) deep teeth cleaning is to keep your teeth, gums and mouth in good health, and to prevent disease from occurring or spreading.

Regular cleanings mean that your dentist has the opportunity to examine the gum-line, and the inner and outer health of the teeth. Then the dentist can see if there are the beginning signs of anything to be worried about, such as tooth decay (cavities) and periodontitis (gum disease). Both of these conditions can lead to chipped and broken teeth, or even tooth loss. They may also require more serious interventions or even surgery.

But what’s even more important to remember: they are avoidable (more or less) with good oral health habits which include regular deep teeth cleaning from the dentist.

What Is A Deep Teeth Cleaning?

A deep teeth cleaning, also known as gum therapy or gum scaling and root planing, gets between the teeth and gums all the way down to the roots. During a standard dental cleaning, the front, back, and sides of the tooth are cleaned above the gum line. During a deep teeth cleaning, the dentist continues down to the root of the tooth, below the gum-line, removing tartar and other build-up from the “pocket” that may have formed between the root of the tooth and gums.

Dental cleanings and deep teeth cleanings are both important. If you are still hesitant, or to book an appointment, give us a call and we will be happy to connect with you.