Why Teeth Need Cleaning

One of the first habits we’re taught as children is how to properly, and consistently, brush and floss our teeth to prevent dental issues from forming. However, as adults, time and life may have diluted the importance of keeping your teeth clean, until you develop a toothache or your dentist tells you that your teeth need treatment. The truth is that professional teeth cleaning is only a small part of the services your dentist offers, but it’s one of the most important, regardless of your age.

The Need for Preventive Dentistry

Dentistry can be classified according to the nature of treatment. For instance, teeth whitening and other procedures that improve the look of your teeth are considered cosmetic dentistry. Likewise, tooth restorations (like dental fillings, root canals, dental crowns, etc.) are referred to as restorative dentistry.

Preventive dentistry services are procedures that help prevent the onset of common dental diseases, such as routine dental checkup and cleaning appointments. In fact, brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice every day to keep them clean of dental plaque could technically be considered preventive teeth cleaning.

Why Teeth Cleanings Are Necessary

Prevention is often the best medicine, but it’s even more so when it comes to dental health and diseases. The dental plaque that clings to your teeth is made of hundreds of kinds of bacteria, many of which can infect your teeth and gums when plaque isn’t controlled properly.

Unlike your skin, bones, or most other parts of your body, your teeth won’t self-heal or self-repair themselves when afflicted. Rather than treating cavities (holes in your teeth) or gum disease (infected gum tissues around your teeth), preventing them is the most effective way to preserve your healthy smile.

Your Dental Checkup and Cleaning Appointments

During a routine dental checkup and cleaning, your hygienist will thoroughly clean residual plaque and tartar from on and between your teeth, including underneath the gum line. To ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy, your dentist will also perform a comprehensive examination to search for signs of developing issues. If prevention fails, then treating such issues early will provide the best chance of preventing extensive damage to your teeth and gums.