When Was the Last Time You Had a Teeth Cleaning?

A teeth cleaning from a dentist is something you should do at least once a year because it is the best way to prevent plaque and remove any tartar that has formed under your gums. Despite the importance of the procedure to your oral and general health, there are plenty of people who do not get their teeth cleaned for long periods of time.

Why should I get my teeth cleaned regularly?

When you practice good oral hygiene, you reduce your chances of having to deal with plaque and tartar buildup. However, even if you brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and use mouthwash after you brush, there will still be some plaque stuck on your teeth, which is where your dentist comes in.

If you get your teeth cleaned regularly by your dentist, you reduce your chances of dealing with tooth decay because the fluoride in the solution your dentist will use to clean your teeth helps to reverse the effects of plaque, and any remaining tartar between your gums will also be removed.

If you do not go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned, you increase your chances of having cavities and gum disease because the tartar that has been stuck under your gums for a while will eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, all adults should get a periodontal evaluation once a year to determine if they need to get their teeth cleaned.

Do I need to get my teeth cleaned if I have healthy teeth?

Yes, you do. The purpose of teeth cleaning is to reduce your chances of tooth decay by removing the plaque and tartar that is in your mouth. Even if you have healthy teeth, there will still be tartar stuck between your gums, which will lead to gum disease if it is left in place.

What happens during a tooth cleaning?

When you go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned, your dentist will use a probe to measure around your teeth to see if you have any areas between your teeth and gums where bacteria will form. The depth of the tissue between your gums and teeth, also known as pockets when it is more than five millimeters, determines if your dentist will prescribe getting your teeth cleaned.

If the pocket is more than five millimeters, your dentist will recommend you get your teeth cleaned, it if it less than three millimeters, the pocket is healthy and you do not need to get your teeth cleaned.

During the cleaning process, your dentist will remove tartar and plaque from the surface of the root of your teeth and will tell you to schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure your gums are getting healthier.

Conclusion

Getting regular teeth cleanings is one of the best ways to practice good oral hygiene because it helps to get rid of the plaque and tartar buildup you are unable to remove by brushing regularly and flossing. If you have not had your teeth cleaned in a long time, schedule an appointment with a dentist if you want to avoid bigger oral health problems in the future.

Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations.