Why Regular Cleanings Are Important?

Most people know that it’s important to brush and floss their teeth daily, but many people don’t realize the importance of regular teeth cleanings. Teeth cleanings are important because they remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

If plaque and tartar are not removed, they can damage your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Additionally, plaque can cause gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a serious form of gum disease that can damage the bones and tissues that support your teeth.

Getting your teeth cleaned at TCD is something you should schedule regularly. You should plan to visit our dentist at least twice a year. During the dental appointment, you can expect to experience the following:

• Your dentist will examine your head and neck to ensure that your jaw and lymph nodes appear normal and healthy. This is necessary to ensure that your jaw is healthy and that there aren’t any external irregularities that need to be looked into further. At this time, your dentist may also do an x-ray of your mouth.
• Next, the dentist will ask you to do a quick rinse of your mouth and then will begin an examination of the inside of your mouth. At this time, your dentist will check for broken fillings, cavities, cracked teeth, early signs of oral cancer, and signs of gum disease, among other important things. They will use a special mirror to see into your mouth’s corners.
• Finally, the cleaning begins. Your dentist will use a series of special tools to remove the plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of and from in between your teeth. Professional flossing may also be performed at this point, and your teeth are likely to be polished to avoid excessive buildup. At the end of the cleaning (and at certain points during), you will be able to spit and remove extra saliva from your mouth as necessary.
• When the cleaning is completed, your dentist will review with you any possible improvements that you could make to your oral hygiene routine. They will share with you if they found any cavities or other issues that need to be attended to in a different appointment. Then you will be able to schedule your next appointment, and you can be on your way, ready to show the world your clean, bright smile!