The Importance of Cleanings
August 25, 2017
A major part of maintaining a healthy mouth is maintaining routine visits to your dentist every six months. These dental visits should include an exam to stay on top of any potential problems or issues, and the visit should also include a professional cleaning. Even with vigilant oral hygiene, professional cleaning is an important part of preventative care. Cleaning can remove the buildup of harmful bacteria from the teeth and the gums. If your dentist or hygienist notices any signs of gum disease, you may get a recommendation for periodontal cleaning.
Why So Important?
A dental cleaning allows a professional to notice any potential problems early. With your teeth and gums, most problems are progressive meaning they get worse the longer they are left untreated. The earlier something is caught; the earlier it can be treated. At home, you should brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. Even if you adamantly stick to this routine, you could be missing spots. Crooked teeth allow bacteria to hide. Some spots in the back of your mouth are hard to reach. Professional cleaning allows for all of these spots to be cleaned. Built-up plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist or hygienist can identify trouble spots for you and recommend brushing and flossing techniques to better care for your teeth and gums. A professional cleaning often makes your teeth a bit whiter, which is always a nice bonus.
Periodontal Cleanings
If your dentist or hygienist notices any early signs of gum disease, it is important for it to be treated before it gets worse. A periodontal cleaning is also known as scaling and root planing or deep cleaning. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria, tartar, or plaque getting underneath the gum line. Gum disease can reach past the gum line and deep down to the roots of the teeth. A period cleaning involves removing any of these harmful substances from the gum tissue.
Professional Cleanings Help Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Have you had a cleaning in the last six months? To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.