Professional teeth cleanings do much more than just make your smile look brighter. They are crucial in preventing serious dental problems and even seemingly unrelated diseases before they start.
Without regular cleanings, plaque builds up on teeth. Plaque develops constantly in your mouth, leaving residue on your teeth. While daily brushing and flossing remove some plaque, home care routines can’t reach every place in your mouth. Professional dental tools and techniques can remove plaque from places that your toothbrush and floss simply can’t reach.
Plaque can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath. As plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes impossible to remove at home. Only dental professionals have the specialized tools and training needed to safely remove tartar without harming your teeth or gums.
Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to your oral health. By investing in regular cleanings, you can avoid the pain, expense and time associated with advanced dental problems.
Broader Health Risks
Recent research has established clear connections between oral health and the health of your entire body. When bacteria build up in the form of plaque and tartar, they can enter your bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue. Plaque buildup forms a pathway for bacteria to travel throughout your body, potentially causing problems in multiple systems.
Heart disease has a particularly strong link to oral health. People with gum disease have higher rates of heart problems. The inflammation from gum disease appears to play a role in clogging arteries and contributing to heart attacks, strokes, and infections.
For people with diabetes, the connection works both ways. Diabetes reduces your body’s ability to fight infection, making gum disease more severe. At the same time, gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar levels.
Respiratory infections also connect to oral health. Bacteria from your mouth can be inhaled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The risk increases for elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems.
Setting a Teeth Cleaning Schedule
A good rule of thumb is to schedule professional teeth cleanings every six months. Some people with specific conditions like gum disease, diabetes, or a history of rapid plaque buildup may require more frequent visits, perhaps every three months. Your dentist may recommend adjustments based on your unique oral health needs and dental history.
In the time between professional cleanings, your daily routine matters. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride and a soft-bristled brush. Floss once daily to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, too.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away particles. Limit sugary foods and drinks that feed harmful bacteria. We also strongly recommend that you replace your toothbrush once every three months.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Amritsar, Navdeep Dental Care™ always works hard to ensure you’ll have the best smile possible. In addition to teeth cleanings, we perform procedures ranging from fillings to oral surgery. Contact Navdeep Dental Care™ right now to schedule an appointment with a friendly and experienced dentist.