Having a clean and healthy oral cavity is crucial to keep dental problems at bay. Routine brushing and flossing may not always eliminate bacteria and plaque. Thus dental cleaning is necessary. Regular dental checkups and cleanings help to eradicate plaque and calculus buildup and prevent periodontal diseases.
Buffalo Grove dental cleanings provide a healthy oral cavity that enhances your overall health and well-being.
What are dental cleanings?
Dental cleanings are common dental procedures essential for maintaining optimal health and oral function. They involve the removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria from areas that are not reachable by regular brushing and flossing.
Treatments performed during dental cleanings include the following steps:
- Scaling: Ultrasonic scalers are used with vibrating water jets to remove the plaque and calculus from your teeth surfaces.
- Polishing: Your teeth are polished (scrubbed) using a soft rubber cup and a special paste or pumice.
- Preventive treatments: These involve services like dental sealants (to protect your teeth from bacterial invasion) and fluoride treatment (to strengthen your enamel and reduce the risk of caries).
How often should you get dental cleanings?
According to the general guidelines issued by the American Dental Association, you are advised to get dental cleanings at least twice a year, that is, once in six months. However, this depends on your individual needs and oral hygiene practice.
Some may be more prone to dental problems, which makes it necessary for them to visit the dentist more often. In such cases, they may need dental cleanings every three months.
What are the different types of dental cleanings?
There are several varieties of dental cleaning procedures based on your individual needs.
Prophylaxis
It is a preventive form of oral cleaning, even if you have healthy teeth and gums overall.
Gross debridement
It involves dental cleaning for an extensive buildup of plaque and calculus, especially if you haven’t been to a dentist in over a year.
Scaling and root planing
This is a form of deep dental cleaning, which is performed to flush out bacteria and calculus from below your gum line. It is usually performed if you suffer from mild to moderate periodontitis under local anesthesia (a numbing agent).
Summary
Dental cleanings are necessary for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. They can help protect your oral cavity from periodontal diseases and ultimate tooth loss. Such preventive treatments save you from extensive restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, or bridges. This means they can actually help you save money overall, in addition to providing you with a healthy, beautiful smile.