Professional teeth cleaning aims to promote oral hygiene. Though part of a dental checkup, dental cleaning primarily involves the removal of plaque and other buildup that affect gum health. But how often is professional dental cleaning recommended? Let’s find out.
Why Professional Teeth Cleaning?
While daily brushing and flossing are important, proper oral hygiene goes beyond the daily routine. These practices are often not sufficient to remove all the plaque and tartar buildup that accumulates on teeth over time. Professional teeth cleaning sessions help thoroughly remove these deposits, ensuring that teeth and gums remain healthy.
Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleaning
Regular teeth cleaning sessions play a crucial role in preventing dental problems. They can also be an answer to how to clean yellow teeth. Here are some of the benefits of maintaining a consistent oral care routine.
- Prevention of Dental Issues – Regular teeth cleaning sessions are a proactive approach to preventing dental problems. Removing plaque and tartar significantly reduces the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
- Fresh Breath – The buildup of bacteria in the mouth results in bad breath. Professional teeth cleaning sessions help eliminate the causes of bad breath by removing bacteria.
- Brighter Smile – Stains can accumulate on teeth over time, leading to discolouration. Dental cleaning sessions remove surface stains, resulting in a brighter and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Gum Health – Gum disease is a common oral health issue. It leads to gum inflammation and bleeding which can ultimately lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent gum disease by removing the plaque and tartar that inflame the gums.
- Early Detection of Issues – During teeth cleaning sessions, dental professionals also perform a thorough examination of the oral cavity. This allows early detection of issues like cavities, cracked teeth, or signs of oral cancer.
- Overall Health – There is a direct link between oral health and overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been associated with various systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Session?
A teeth cleaning session typically follows a standard procedure, though specifics can vary from practitioner to practitioner. The steps include:
- Cleaning – This phase is also called the scaling phase. It involves the removal of tartar and plaque from hard-to-reach mouth areas and interdental spaces. Specialised tools and techniques are used for the purpose.
- Polishing – After cleaning, the teeth are polished to a pristine state. A rotating tool and dental paste are used by the dental professional to achieve a polished finish.
- Fluoride Treatment – To stave off cavities, a fluoride treatment (available as a paste, gel, or varnish) may be applied.
How Often Should You Have Teeth Cleaning Sessions?
The frequency of teeth cleaning sessions can vary based on factors such as oral health, risk of dental problems, and individual recommendations from dental professionals. Generally, it is advised to have a professional teeth cleaning every six months. This timeline allows for the removal of accumulated plaque and tartar before they can cause significant damage.
However, certain individuals may require more frequent teeth-cleaning sessions. Those with a history of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues can benefit from having teeth cleaning done every three to four months. Additionally, people with braces or other orthodontic appliances may find it challenging to clean their teeth thoroughly and may need more frequent professional cleaning sessions.
Drawbacks of Frequent Dental Cleaning
Frequent professional dental cleaning can also have drawbacks if performed excessively. Here are the potential disadvantages:
- Tooth Sensitivity – Frequent cleanings can damage tooth enamel over time. This might lead to increased tooth sensitivity.
- Gum Irritation – Over-cleaning can irritate gums, causing inflammation, tenderness, and bleeding.
- Risk to Dental Work – Dental work like fillings or crowns can be compromised with frequent cleanings. This might require repair or replacement.
- Loss of Natural Microbiome – Excessive cleaning can disturb the natural balance of oral bacteria.
Conclusion
While we all know how to clean teeth, dental experts say it might not be enough for proper oral health. Brushing and flossing alone can not eliminate the stubborn buildup of plaque and tartar. Professional dental cleaning thus surfaces as a perfect remedy.
While the benefits of teeth cleaning are far-reaching, the frequency of teeth cleaning is paramount. Typically recommended every six months, over-frequent cleaning can lead to enamel erosion, gum irritation, and teeth sensitivity. Consult with a dentist to chart out a personalised teeth cleaning routine.
