Dental health is usually neglected unless it becomes very serious or urgent. A minor plaque buildup and tartar on your teeth can silently invite cavities or gum disease, which threatens your smile and overall health.
If you’ve been searching for dental cleaning in Calgary, understanding the importance of these routine visits can help you protect your teeth before serious issues arise.
Regular cleanings are key defence against oral problems. By removing plaque and tartar that is often missed by daily brushing, they reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
Learning how to prevent cavities and how to prevent gum disease starts with professional care and good habits.
What Is Dental Cleaning and Why Is It Important?
Professional dental cleaning is a process of dental care treatment done by a dentist or hygienist in a dental clinic in NE Calgary, where a dentist clears plaque and tartar from spots where your toothbrush is unable to reach.
This cleaning not only brightens your smile but also prevents bacteria buildup that causes tooth decay and gum inflammation.
The importance of dental cleaning goes beyond just aesthetics. It helps:
- Prevent cavities by eliminating plaque, which harbours decay-causing bacteria
- Reduce the risk of gum disease by clearing tartar from the gum lines
- Detect early signs of oral health problems through regular checkups
Skipping cleanings lets plaque harden into tartar, making it impossible to remove with a toothbrush and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease starts when plaque irritates and inflames your gums. If left untreated, it will progress to periodontitis, a severe infection that kills the gums and bone supporting your teeth in place.
Dental cleanings help prevent gum disease by:
- Removing tartar and plaque deposits along and beneath the gum line
- Decreasing inflammation and making room for healthy gum tissue
- Enabling early identification and treatment of gum problems before they get worse
By keeping gums healthy, you also shield yourself from other health consequences of gum disease, including heart disease and diabetes complications.
How To Prevent Cavities
Cavities develop because acids from plaque bacteria break down tooth enamel. Brushing every day keeps some plaque at bay but not all. Dental cleanings access areas your brush and floss don’t, such as:
- Between teeth
- Along the gum line
- Crevices and grooves on the chewing surfaces
Professional cleanings eliminate these plaque deposits, stopping the cavity process in its infancy. Fluoride treatments, usually given after cleanings, harden enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay.
The Role of Oral Hygiene Between Cleanings
While professional cleanings are crucial, maintaining good oral hygiene daily is equally important. To complement your cleanings and prevent cavities and gum disease:
- Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste a minimum of twice daily
- Floss once a day to prevent plaque between teeth
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods that foster bad bacteria
- Use mouthwash as directed by your dentist
Routine home care adds to the value of dental cleanings and offers a healthy mouth.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
When you visit a dental clinic in NE Calgary for a cleaning, expect the following steps:
- Examination: The hygienist or dentist examines your gums and teeth to look for any signs of issues.
- Scaling: Plaque and tartar are carefully scraped off from your tooth surfaces and below your gums with specialized tools.
- Polishing: Your teeth’s gels are polished to remove surface stains and smooth enamel.
- Fluoride Treatment (optional): A fluoride gel or rinse may be applied to make teeth stronger and resistant to decay.
Having regular dental cleaning every six months is fine for most individuals, but your dentist might recommend more frequent visits based on your history of dental issues.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Neglecting dental cleanings exposes your gums and teeth to danger. Cavities and gum disease creep up undetected, but the damage they cause is irreversible and painful. Cleanings eliminate toxic buildup and provide the opportunity to detect trouble early, so you get a chance to save your smile before the need for expensive treatments arises.
Happy teeth, happy life.
Take good care of your teeth by making your next appointment with Temple Square Dental to keep ahead of decay and gum disease. Book your appointment now!!