When it comes to dental cleaning, getting your teeth cleaned professionally is an extremely important way to prevent cavities and other dental health issues. After all, it’s a lot easier taking steps to prevent tooth decay than it is to treat cavities that have already formed. One of the best steps for prevention and good dental health is a routine professional cleaning at your dentist’s office.
Regular Dental Cleanings are Key for Good Dental Health
Even if you maintain the best possible dental hygiene habits at home, it’s just a matter of time until plaque builds up on your teeth. You just can’t remove it with brushing alone. And, when plaque isn't removed, it will harden into sticky tartar or calculus. This can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning.
Tartar isn’t just unattractive. The germs that cause gum disease and tooth decay are located in tartar. This means that tartar has the potential to wreak a lot of havoc on your oral health. The good news: regular dental cleanings will help you to keep it at bay.
And after removing the tartar and the cleaning is complete, your dental hygienist will polish your tooth enamel, so your teeth will have a smooth and clean surface that makes it much more difficult for new plaque and tartar deposits to even begin to form.
How Often Should You Have a Professional Dental Cleaning?
The answer depends on the person. Your dentist will let you know what is the best plan for your oral health. For many patients, twice annual cleanings are enough, while for others, four times a year is what may be optimal for your dental health.
Remember, teeth cleaning prevents more costly dental care issues down the line and helps to preserve both your overall dental health and healthy teeth for years to come.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene at Home
Of course, it’s still important that besides getting your recommended dental cleanings, you should practice good dental hygiene at home to keep your teeth healthy. Don’t forget to brush your teeth for two minutes every morning and night, because it is very important to remove the food debris and plaque that can accumulate day or night.
And, make sure to brush both the fronts and backs of all of your teeth, and thoroughly over those chewing surfaces where plaque is mostly likely to accumulate. One of the most efficient and easiest ways to brush is to just divide your teeth into fourths: top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right, brushing each area for 30 seconds.
Don’t forget the flossing, either! Floss at least once every day, either before or after brushing, and do be sure to go all the way down to your gum line or all the way up to the gumline, where toothbrushes can't easily reach.
Are You Ready to Learn More about Dental Cleaning?
If you’d like to learn more about dental cleaning, the best techniques for oral hygiene at home, or more, just reach out to us at MD Smiles in Ellicott City, today! We’re ready for your call.