Why Dental Cleanings are So Important and How To Keep Your Teeth Clean at Home

Taking care of your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health. One of the most important steps in maintaining good oral hygiene is to get your teeth cleaned regularly. Dental cleanings not only help keep your teeth looking clean and bright, but they also help prevent a variety of dental problems.

In this article, we will discuss why it is so important to get your teeth cleaned, the benefits of regular dental cleanings, and some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene.

Why Is It Important to Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

Regular dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining good oral health. During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist or dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria that can damage your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that has built up on your teeth over time. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional using specialized tools.

If left untreated, plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease, a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation and damage to the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Gum disease can cause tooth loss and has also been linked to a variety of other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Getting your teeth cleaned regularly offers a wide range of benefits, including:

1. Preventing Tooth Decay: Regular dental cleanings help prevent tooth decay by removing plaque and tartar from your teeth.

2. Preventing Gum Disease: Dental cleanings also help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.

3. Detecting Oral Cancer: During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will also check for signs of oral cancer, which can be easier to treat when caught early.

4. Fresh Breath: Dental cleanings can help freshen your breath by removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can cause bad breath.

5. Saving Money: Regular dental cleanings can help you avoid more expensive dental procedures down the road by preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

In addition to getting regular dental cleanings, there are several things you can do to maintain good oral hygiene:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

2. Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.

3. Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

4. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can damage your tooth enamel.

5. Quit smoking or using tobacco products, which can increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.

Conclusion

Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. They help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems, and they can even detect early signs of oral cancer. By following good oral hygiene habits and getting regular dental cleanings, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.

Sources:

1. "Dental Cleanings and Exams," American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dental-cleanings-and-exams

2. "The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings," Delta Dental, https://www.deltadental.com/grinmag/us/en/ddpa/2017/winter/regular-dental-cleanings.html

3. "Why Dental Cleanings are Important," Colgate, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/why-dental-cleanings-are-important-0313

4. "Oral Health: Brush Up on Dental Care Basics," Mayo Clinic, https://www

   mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536

   5. "Oral Cancer Screening," American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-cancer-screening

   6. "Gum Disease," American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease

   7. "Tobacco and Oral Health," American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/tobacco

In addition to these sources, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) also recommends getting regular dental check-ups and cleanings. According to the NIDCR, dental cleanings should be done at least twice a year for most people, although your dentist or hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings if you have a history of gum disease or other oral health problems.

If you're overdue for a dental cleaning or have concerns about your oral health, it's important to schedule an appointment with a dentist or dental hygienist as soon as possible. They can provide a thorough dental cleaning, as well as offer personalized recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems in the future.

In conclusion, getting your teeth cleaned regularly is essential for maintaining good oral health. Dental cleanings not only help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but they can also detect early signs of oral cancer and freshen your breath. By following good oral hygiene habits and getting regular dental check-ups and cleanings, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.