When discussing dentistry, there is a tendency to focus on more “heavy duty” dental procedures, like root canals, tooth extractions, or the placement of crowns. On the one hand, this is natural, as these are the memorable “major events” in a person’s dental life. At the same time, however, we’re far better served to focus more heavily on the mundane, “boring” aspects of dental health, to help to ensure that we don’t get to the point of needing those major procedures.
There is no more simple and straightforward commitment that you can make to your dental health than scheduling regular teeth cleanings.
What Is a Teeth Cleaning?
A teeth cleaning is a routine dental treatment in which your dentist removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup from your gums and around your teeth. The fact is that we should all get our teeth cleaned regularly (at least twice a year) in order to maintain dental health and hygiene and prevent minor issues from becoming big problems. Not only do regular teeth cleanings help with the maintenance of oral health and million-dollar smiles, but they also identify and “nip in the bud” certain issues that could affect your overall physical health!
What to Expect From a Teeth Cleaning
You should plan to visit the dentist at least twice a year for teeth cleaning. During these routine dental appointments, you can expect:
- An examination of your head and neck by your dentists to ensure that your jaw and lymph nodes seem normal and healthy and that no obvious irregularities require further attention.
- X-rays of your mouth so that your dentist can get a holistic idea of the state of your dental health.
- Following a quick rinse, an examination by the dentists of the inside of your mouth. During this procedure, your dentist, using a special mirror, will check all parts of your mouth for cavities, loose or broken fillings, cracked teeth, and early signs of gum disease or oral cancer.
- At this point, the dentist or hygienist will do the actual cleaning! Using a series of special tools, they will remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of and in between your teeth. After this process, your dentist will likely also polish your teeth in order to help prevent excessive plaque and tartar buildup in the future.
- After the cleaning is finished, your dentist and hygienist will discuss with you any potential issues that they may have found and suggest possible additions or improvements to your oral hygiene routine and discuss with you any cavities or other issues that they’ve found that will need to be addressed during a different appointment, for which you will likely be scheduled at that time.
The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings
Regular teeth cleanings are one of the most important things that you can do to boost not only your dental health but also the self-confidence that comes with knowing that you’ve got a bright, beautiful, and fresh smile to flash to the world! In addition, the preventative care that comes with getting regular teeth cleaning extends beyond your mouth and benefits your overall health. Here are some specific reasons why regular teeth cleanings are so important:
- Early Detection of Imperfections in Teeth – It is during regular teeth cleanings that your dentists will discover and quickly and (usually) painlessly address the plaque and tartar buildup and other minor imperfections that lead to cavities, cracked or broken teeth, or tooth decay.
- Prevent Gum Disease – Gum disease can initially lead to bad breath and sensitive gums. If left untreated, however, it can result in bleeding and receding gums and, eventually, tooth loss. Regular teeth cleanings are an excellent way to ensure that gum disease never wreaks havoc on your teeth and gums!
- Early Detection of Oral Cancers – At every cleaning, your dentist will check your mouth for any potential signs of oral cancer. Early detection is absolutely vital to preventing or quickly curing oral cancers and ensuring that they do not spread elsewhere in the body.
- Identification of a Bad Bite or TMJ – Dental cleanings offer an excellent opportunity for your dentists to assess the overall state of your oral and dental health. As part of this assessment, a dentist will check to ensure not only that plaque and tartar are not an issue but that the bones and muscles that allow you to bite and chew are functioning properly. This is extremely important, as it will allow your dentist to identify, sooner rather than later, if you are exhibiting any symptoms suggestive of a more serious issue, like a temporomandibular joint – or TMJ – syndrome, and more quickly begin the process of taking corrective action.
- Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes - Good oral hygiene is been linked to not only improved cardiovascular health but also a reduced risk of diabetes. It’s here where we see just how far beyond the teeth and gums the benefits of good oral health extend.
Teeth Cleanings in Tampa, FL
If you’re in the Tampa area and realize that it’s been a moment since your last teeth cleaning (or if you are simply a fan of being smart and vigilant), contact dentist Dr. Richard Mancuso and the team at Carrollwood Village Dentistry to schedule an appointment.
