Oral Hygiene Benefits of a Dental Cleaning

Some people believe visiting the dental office for dental cleaning is a hassle, especially if they stick to their regular brushing and flossing routine. What many patients do not realize is that toothbrushes and flossers are not always enough to clean the teeth thoroughly. Visiting the dentist for checkup and professional dental cleaning is also important to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Benefits of a dental cleaning

The following are ways a dental cleaning can benefit oral health:

Prevent gum disease

Gum disease is the result of plaque accumulation around the teeth. Plaque accumulation can cause gum inflammation, which is the initial stage of gum disease. Patients may notice gum bleeding when brushing their teeth.

The plaque is a product of bacterial and food remnants. To stop gum disease, the plaque needs to be cleaned away from the teeth for good oral health. The dentist will remove the plaque and tartar during a dental cleaning.

Prevent tooth decay

The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to dental health. Teeth cleaning removes plaque, the main cause of tooth decay, from the teeth. If bacterial plaque lingers on the teeth, it produces acids that eat away the tooth enamel. If the plaque is not cleaned off, it will create a hole in the teeth. Without treatment, the cavity can worsen and extend to the core of the teeth, which would lead to pain or even tooth loss.

Prevent bad breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is undesirable. It is not just unpleasant to others, but it also affects a person’s self-esteem. A good oral hygiene routine (including brushing and flossing) can keep bad breath away. However, hardened plaque or tartar is not removable by brushing and these bacteria are mostly responsible for lousy mouth odor. It is advisable to visit the dentist for a dental cleaning to have the tartar removed.

Prevent other health issues

A person’s oral health affects other parts of the body, just as other conditions can affect oral health. Certain medications reduce saliva production in the mouth, which can encourage bacteria growth. The saliva in the mouth cleanses the mouth of food debris and neutralizes bacterial acid. Limited saliva production can cause microbial invasion that may result in gum disease. A routine dental cleaning can help prevent that from happening.

Prevent tooth loss

Gum disease begins from plaque accumulation and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease worsens, the infection spreads into the teeth and gum, damaging the tissues and the jawbone supporting the teeth. This can eventually cause the teeth to loosen and fall out. The risks of this happening are greatly reduced by visiting the dentist for a regular dental cleaning.

Maintain a bright smile

Some foods and drinks can stain the teeth. A dental cleaning can eliminate the stains on the teeth. The cleaning and polishing processes result in a whiter and brighter smile.

Final thoughts

Poor oral hygiene habits can leave you vulnerable to oral diseases. Visiting the dentist regularly for dental cleaning can help you enjoy a healthy smile and body.

Request an appointment here: https://fortleefamilydental.com or call Fort Lee Family Dental at (201) 620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.

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