Teeth cleaning is an essential part of oral hygiene. It involves removing the dental plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth in order to get rid of cavities, gingivitis and other possible oral health problems. The professional cleaning of teeth is sometimes referred to as prophylaxis (or prophy for short). It’s a Greek word which means “to prevent beforehand”.
Our teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances that help strengthen and protect the teeth. While this is a good thing, it also means that we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will eventually build up over time. Usually it is tooth-colored and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it also can vary from brown to black in color depending on the hygiene.
Dental cleaning also leaves your teeth feeling lovely and smooth and clean. It is not only helpful to keeping your mouth clean but also in keeping your body and system in shape as a whole.
It has always been told that dental care is not expensive but neglect is. Having said that, let’s see how regular and consistent dental cleaning can offer a multitude of benefits.
Performing good oral hygiene at home is important, but professional teeth cleaning removes the plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing normally misses. Inadequate oral hygiene is associated with a variety of serious health problems such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, bone loss, infection, and more. Regular dental cleanings can help reduce your risk of developing these serious conditions. Here are the top six (6) reasons why you need to schedule that much-needed appointment with your dental hygienist as soon as possible.
The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing and dental cleanings.
Gum disease, which starts with built-up plaque, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, the chance of this happening to you can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits.
Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco can stain your teeth. A dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave you with freshly polished teeth. The result – a whiter, brighter smile!
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, undergoing a dental cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and odor-free.
Studies have shown a connection between oral and overall health. Regular dental cleanings may help lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. Many medical conditions, some of them life-threatening, can be detected in their early stages by your dentist during a routine oral exam.
Get the most value from your dental benefits. Most Delta Dental plans have low or no copayments/coinsurance for dental cleanings and oral exams. If you take advantage of your benefits now, you may be able to save money in the long run by helping to protect your oral health and potentially avoiding more costly and extensive procedures.
Remember: The best way to avoid dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, dental pain and other emergencies is to prevent them in the first place. A great at-home oral hygiene routine, plus visits to Bramcountry Dental for regular check-ups and dental cleanings every 6 months is an unbeatable combination in prevention.
