dental cleaning

7 Essential Benefits of Dental Cleaning You Should Know

in /by

Routine dental cleaning offers numerous benefits, including the prevention of gum disease, a brighter smile, fresher breath, and early detection of potential problems. You can also expect improved overall health, financial savings, and personalized dental health advice. 

According to the Carequest Institute, roughly 43% of all adults in the U.S. in 2023 lost one or more permanent teeth due to decay or gum disease. Part of preventing that loss is keeping your mouth clean and cared for. 

Read on to learn more about the oral hygiene benefits of dental cleaning. 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Cleaning?

A professional dental checkup and cleaning serve as a type of preventive dentistry. The goal is to:

  • Examine the mouth
  • Remove plaque and tartar
  • Clean the teeth

However, this process provides more for your mouth and body than just nice-looking teeth. 

1. Prevent Gum Disease

One of the most critical oral hygiene benefits is preventing gum disease. Plaque and tartar build-up can irritate your gums, causing gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. 

Many people don’t realize the importance of teeth cleaning until they experience issues like periodontitis and tooth loss.

2. A Brighter and Whiter Smile

Even with consistent brushing, people can suffer stains from:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Wine

Professional cleanings include polishing that helps remove surface stains, leaving your teeth looking cleaner and brighter. This cosmetic benefit boosts confidence and enhances your overall appearance. 

3. Freshens Your Breath

Persistent bad breath often comes from bacterial buildup in the mouth. Regular brushing may not fully eliminate these odors if tartar is present. A dental hygienist can remove bacteria, plaque, and food debris from between teeth and along the gum line. 

4. Early Detection of Oral Health Issues

A professional dental checkup that includes cleaning allows your dentist to examine your mouth for early warning signs. Detecting conditions such as cavities, oral cancer, and gum disease increases the chance of successful treatments. 

If there’s a misalignment that makes it difficult for you to clean your teeth, then they will let you know. They will then give you options on how you can either correct the problem or clean your teeth better in the future. 

5. Protects Your Overall Health

Oral health is strongly linked to overall health. Research shows that gum disease is connected to:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke

Maintaining good dental hygiene through professional cleanings can help reduce your risk of developing systemic health problems. After all, the mouth is often considered the gateway to the body. 

6. Saves Money in the Long Run

Skipping cleanings might seem like a way to save money. The reality is that untreated dental problems often lead to expensive procedures like root canals, crowns, or even surgery. 

Preventive care through regular cleanings helps you avoid major issues and lowers your long-term dental costs. 

7. Personalized Dental Health Tips

Dental hygienists and dentists provide dental health tips tailored to your specific needs. They can give you guidance on brushing technique, advice on flossing tools, or recommendations for toothpaste. That professional insight can help you maintain oral health between visits. 

What Are 10 Things to Keep Your Teeth Healthy?

Daily habits matter as much as professional care. There are ten dental health tips on how to maintain strong and healthy teeth:

  1. Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
  2. Floss once a day to clean between teeth
  3. Limit sugar foods and drinks
  4. Drink plenty of water
  5. Avoid smoking and tobacco products
  6. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamins
  7. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
  8. Wear a mouthguard during sports
  9. Use an antibacterial mouthwash is recommended by your dentist
  10. Schedule professional dental checkups and cleanings every six months

Of course, the best way to protect your teeth is by coordinating with your local dentist. They can help guide you in your practices and support them with in-office procedures. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?

Most people should get their teeth cleaned professionally twice a year. People with gum disease or higher cavity risk may need cleanings every three to four months for optimal oral health. 

Of course, you can always get a dental cleaning when you’re at the dentist for other issues or ongoing procedures, such as adjusting your braces. 

Does dental cleaning hurt?

For most people, dental cleaning is not painful. You might feel slight pressure or mild sensitivity, especially if it has been a while since your last visit. Communicating with your dental hygienist ensures they can adjust techniques for your comfort. 

If your teeth do show extreme sensitivity, that may point to a specific problem like severe enamel erosion. 

Can dental cleaning remove all stains?

Professional cleaning can erase surface stains caused by food, beverages, and smoking. However, deeper stains inside the tooth enamel may need whitening treatments. 

The most important aspect of dental cleaning is improving the overall health of your mouth. While you may see a difference when you leave your appointment, don’t expect a dramatic change. 

Is professional dental cleaning necessary if I brush and floss daily?

Yes, you’ll want professional dental cleaning as part of your bi-yearly routine. Brushing and flossing are essential, but they can’t reach every corner of your mouth. 

Plaque that hardens into tartar cannot be removed with at-home care alone. Professional cleanings ensure thorough protection. 

Additionally, there’s the diagnostic aspect of dental cleaning. While your dentist works on your teeth, they can also observe any changes or abnormalities in your mouth. These medical problems would otherwise be missed if you avoided regular visits. 

Remember Teeth Cleaning Importance

Professional dental cleaning offers far more than cosmetic benefits. They help prevent gum disease, improve overall health, and much more. By combining regular professional visits with consistent at-home care, you can enjoy a healthier smile and stronger teeth for years to come. 

Justice Dental provides general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental surgeries for patients in Lexington, KY. Our team of qualified and accredited dental professionals uses advanced CAD-CAM dentistry technology for the best results. Contact us at either of our two locations with any questions and to schedule your first appointment.