A teeth cleaning is a preventive dental procedure that removes plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of teeth and along the gum line. It is helpful to talk to your dentist about teeth cleanings and the benefits they provide to determine why they are highly recommended several times each year.
Teeth cleaning: questions to ask your dentist
You can learn more about teeth cleanings by reviewing the answers to each question below. However, it is important to also talk to a dentist about why teeth cleaning is important for you specifically according to your specific situation and the goals you have for your smile and oral health.
What are teeth cleanings?
Teeth cleanings are routine dental procedures that involve removing plaque and tartar from teeth and from the lining of the gums. This is done to prevent oral health concerns such as weakened enamel, dental cavities, and gum disease. Since teeth cleanings are considered preventive treatment, they are often covered by insurance providers, and they are relatively affordable for individuals who do not have dental insurance.
How often are teeth cleanings recommended?
Teeth cleanings are recommended two or three times a year (once every four to six months). This is around the time plaque begins to accumulate on teeth. If left for an extended amount of time, the plaque could harden into tartar and become more challenging to remove. Waiting too long between visits could increase the risk of gum disease, dental cavities, and other complications.
What are the benefits of teeth cleanings?
Teeth cleanings protect against a range of oral health concerns. Most notably, the risk of dental cavities and gum disease is much lower with regular teeth cleanings. It can also help with the prevention of teeth stains, which allow the person to show off a brighter and more attractive smile. Teeth cleaning visits also allow the dentist to check for any concerns that may have developed since the last visit and promptly address them.
What are the risks of skipping teeth cleanings?
As mentioned, teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar build-up on teeth. If not removed, the plaque and tartar (which contains bacteria) can eat away at enamel, leading to teeth stains, damaged enamel, and dental cavities. It can also lead to the need for restorative treatment, which can become expensive and invasive.
What is the difference between teeth cleaning and deep dental cleaning?
Some are confused by teeth cleaning and deep dental cleaning (also called scaling and root planing). Deep dental cleaning involves cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria that are contributing to periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease), whereas teeth cleaning is used to prevent these concerns.
Schedule your next check-up and teeth cleaning visit
Teeth cleanings are important for protecting your oral health long-term and avoiding the need for expensive restorative treatments. If you are due for your next dental cleaning (which we recommend every four to six months), then call us today to schedule a visit at a time that is convenient for you.
Are you considering teeth cleaning in the Lincroft area? Get more information at https://lincroftvillagedental.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Cleaning in Lincroft, NJ.
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