At Calm Dentistry we advise that our patients get at least two professional dental cleanings annually. Cleaning appointments are also when small changes with your teeth and gingiva can be noticed. Having a dental exam and cleaning every 6 months helps to catch small problems before they cause significant damage.
Most adults benefit from a cleaning twice yearly, but if you have certain illnesses, like periodontal disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure you may need cleanings every 3-4 months.
Why do dental professionals encourage dental cleanings?
1. Dental cleanings help you to keep your natural teeth.
Cleanings help lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, which avoids tooth loss. When you get teeth extracted you lose bone in that area that affects the entire mouth. This will affect the way that you chew and speak. While there are replacement options, nothing is better than having a healthy natural tooth. Periodontal disease and caries are the reasons for tooth loss.
2. Dental cleanings reduce your risk of gum disease (Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease is the loss of the bone and gums that hold our teeth in. Gingival inflammation starts when plaque and calculus aren’t removed from the gumline. The increased bacteria cause swollen and inflamed gums and eventually pockets of bone loss around the teeth.
3. Dental cleanings remove staining
Our consumption of certain foods causes staining over time on our teeth. Drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine will cause dark yellow and brown stains. Along with teeth whitening, cleanings will
help to remove these stains.
