The Importance of Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning can seem like a chore, but the process is essential when you break it down. Dental cleaning is an excellent way to prevent more extensive and expensive dental procedures. If you think about it, your teeth are one of the only body parts that cannot heal or repair themselves.

Once you damage them, they stay damaged forever. Your gums and tooth roots also don’t have their blood supply for natural healing after injury. If left untreated, bacteria build-up on your teeth can cause decay and lead to other problems such as cavities and gum disease.

But with proper dental care, this doesn’t have to be the case! Read on to learn more about why dental cleanings are so important and what you can do to keep your pearly whites sparkling from the inside out!

ADA Recommended Cleanings

While the frequency of dental cleanings you need will depend on your specific oral health situation, the American Dental Association recommends that everyone have a dental cleaning twice yearly. It’s important to note that the dental cleaning recommended by the ADA is more than just a teeth cleaning.

This comprehensive dental cleaning includes a complete oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. If you have braces, dental cleanings will likely be more frequent. You will also likely need frequent cleanings if you have particular dental health concerns like diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders.

If you have a medical condition that impacts your oral health, you must work with your dentist to develop a customized dental hygiene plan for you.

Why Are Dental Services Essential?

The importance of frequent dental visits is not just about the health of your teeth and gums. Dental cleanings can improve the health and wellness of your entire body! While the reasons below apply to all people, those with diabetes and other health conditions may need more frequent cleanings than once a year. Here are more reasons why having dental cleanings done is essential:

Better Oral Health

Advanced dental cleanings can remove up to 80% of teeth' plaque and can even be used to treat and remove tartar. Removing unwanted debris from your gums and teeth improves your overall oral health.

Healthier Gums

Regular dental cleanings can help delay or even prevent gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss. A quick tour to the dentist for dental cleaning leads to healthier gums and stronger teeth. 

Infection Risk is Reduced

People with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of developing an oral infection. This can lead to systemic infections affecting the heart, kidneys, and brain! Frequent visits to the dentist can help address the problem early and reduce your risk of mild to deadly oral infections. 

Improved Sleep

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can lead to significant health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Sleep apnea is caused by a collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat and is more common in those with gum disease. Your local dentist can help provide ways on how to mitigate this problem.

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings can remove significantly more plaque and tartar than you can do at home. This extra plaque and tartar buildup can lead to more serious dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss! Professional teeth cleanings can also help you stay on track with your dental health goals if you’re trying to improve your oral health. Many people are motivated to improve their oral health after a thorough dental cleaning. Dental cleanings are also the best way to determine if you need other dental services, such as fillings or crowns.

The best way to determine if you need a dental cleaning or other dental services is to see a dental professional for an exam and cleaning. If you are ever unsure about the health of your teeth or gums or if you need a dental cleaning, be sure to contact your dentist for advice.

What Do Teeth Cleaning Visits Provide?

Teeth cleanings do much more than remove food particles and stains from the teeth! Depending on your dental cleaning, you may even get some freebies on top of your sparkling teeth. Here is what you can expect during teeth cleaning:

A Pre-Cleanse Scrub

The first step in the teeth cleaning process is a teeth pre-cleanse, similar to brushing your teeth.

An Oral Irrigator

Next, the dental hygienist will use an oral irrigator to rinse your teeth and gums. This helps dislodge plaque and bacteria from the gum line.

Personalized Teeth Cleaning

After pre-cleaning the teeth and rinsing the gums and teeth, the dental hygienist will do customized teeth cleaning.

An Oral Exam

Next, the dental hygienist will perform a thorough oral exam. This is often the best way to identify any oral health concerns you may not be aware of.

What to Expect at Your Next Dental Visit

While each dental visit will be different, here is what you can expect at your next dental visit. Your dentist will begin by asking questions about your oral health and lifestyle. Next, they will examine your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. 

Finally, they will discuss your oral health and any additional services or products you may need. If you have been putting off a dental visit, don’t delay! Dental visits are essential for maintaining oral health. If you are concerned about the cost of dental services, you can talk to your dentist about what services you might need and how to prioritize them.

It may also be helpful to know that many insurance plans cover at least some dental services. You can use the oral health benefits estimator tool to learn more about your coverage.

The dental exam

The dental examination is an integral part of the dental visit. It can reveal tooth decay, gum disease, fractures, and other oral health problems. A dental exam can also identify other health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or stroke, that are linked to oral health issues. A thorough dental exam is crucial so that oral health problems don't worsen and lead to more severe conditions.

The dental exam usually begins with a visual examination of your teeth and gums, followed by an assessment of your bite and a quick X-ray. The dental exam can reveal areas of disease and infection that may not be visible to you. It can also help find problems with your oral health.

A Dental Cleaning and Exam Can Improve Your Wellness.

As you can see, dental cleaning is much more than just a teeth cleaning. By getting dental cleanings regularly, you can improve the overall health and wellness of your entire body. Regular dental visits are the best way to catch oral health problems early and keep your smile healthy.

When choosing a dental cleaning facility, make sure to find one that is close to your home. Many people are too busy or simply unaware of dental cleanings' importance and regular dental visits. With all the stresses of life, taking care of your teeth can be easy to put off, but it’s important not to let your dental health go unchecked. Be sure to choose a dental cleaning near you and schedule an appointment as soon as possible!

How the Condition of Your Teeth Affects Your Body

Dental cleanings are essential for oral health, but they are also crucial for your body's overall health. Dental cleanings can improve the health and wellness of your entire body! A regular dental cleaning can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.

Many medical conditions are linked to poor oral health. For example, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. This is because diabetes reduces the amount of oxygen that flows to tissues in your body, including those in your mouth. Keeping your teeth healthy can help avoid chronic conditions like diabetes, which can be life-threatening in many cases.

Contact ARC Dental Health for your dental cleaning.

In addition to regular check-ups, dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. They help remove food and bacteria between your teeth and your tongue and can also look for signs of periodontal disease or other oral health problems.

At ARC Dental Health, our staff will gently clean your teeth with a soft, sonic toothbrush and use special instruments like flossers or mouthwashes to remove more stubborn particles. We’ll also closely examine any signs of gum disease or decay and provide preventative care recommendations based on your specific needs.

Regular check-ups as part of your routine can help keep your teeth healthy.

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