Teeth cleanings play a key role in maintaining oral health. While daily brushing and flossing remain foundational habits, professional cleanings can provide additional benefits. This article explores the connection between teeth cleanings and oral hygiene, offering insights into their role in dental care routines.
Understanding What Happens During Teeth Cleanings
Professional teeth cleanings are carried out by dental hygienists or dentists during routine dental visits. The process typically includes the use of specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar that accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. While brushing and flossing address surfaces of teeth at home, professional tools can access spaces below the gumline or between tightly packed teeth.
Cleanings can also include polishing, which helps reduce surface stains and smooth the surface of teeth. This smoothness makes it more challenging for plaque to stick over time. Fluoride treatments may also be offered at the end of cleanings to support stronger teeth and help protect against cavities.
Teeth cleanings may also contribute to fresher breath. Bad breath, known as halitosis, often results from lingering food particles, bacteria, or plaque in the mouth. By targeting these sources, professional cleanings help leave the mouth feeling fresher and cleaner.
Addressing Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque forms naturally on teeth as a result of oral bacteria and food particles. If not removed thoroughly and regularly, plaque can harden into tartar. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with brushing or flossing at home and requires professional care.
Excessive tartar buildup may contribute to certain dental issues. It can affect the gums, which may contribute to discomfort and irritation. Teeth cleanings aim to address these concerns by physically removing plaque and tartar to prevent further complications.
Benefits to Gum Health
Healthy gums are an integral part of oral hygiene routines. Tartar buildup may become hard and irritate soft tissue surrounding teeth. Dental professionals remove this tartar during cleanings, reducing its presence around gums.
Routine cleanings can also allow dental professionals to monitor gum health. During exams, they can check for signs of gum disease or other concerns. Spotting changes early through routine appointments may provide an opportunity to maintain gum health.
Helping Protect Teeth Over Time
Professional cleanings work alongside brushing and flossing practices to maintain oral hygiene. Together, these practices can help address plaque buildup, support healthy gums, and contribute to fresher breath. Cleanings also give dental professionals the opportunity to make recommendations that improve at-home techniques.
Regularly scheduled cleanings may serve as a preventive step in dental care. By removing unwanted buildup, patients may help reduce the risk of long-term dental concerns. They can also contribute to an overall sense of cleanliness, leaving many patients with an improved feeling of confidence in their oral care routines.
Learn About Teeth Cleanings During Your Next Visit
Regular dental cleanings are part of a comprehensive routine that supports oral hygiene. By scheduling and attending these cleanings, patients can address plaque and tartar buildup, support gum health, and enjoy a cleaner feeling overall. To learn more about how professional cleanings may help improve your oral care routine, contact your dental provider today and schedule your next appointment.
