Dental hygiene comes in many forms. One of the most common, of course, is brushing your teeth at home. While this can be beneficial for the health of a patient’s teeth, it can also leave behind particles toothbrushes just cannot reach. Even using flossing and dental rinsing can leave behind things that only a deep cleaning at a dentist can get rid of. This is why dentists prefer patients come in every six months for a dental cleaning to help preserve the health and beauty of their teeth.
The treatments provided by family dentists, like Rincon Family Dentistry, will last six months and can protect teeth along with brushing and flossing at home. Dental cleanings should not be thought of as a replacement though, as they can do more for you with the help of brushing and flossing at home rather than without it. Plaque is one of the worst enemies of teeth and can be left behind when brushing at home. Dental cleanings help remove this risk and strengthen teeth, but cannot keep them strong in between cleanings on their own.
In most cases, dentists often handle more pediatric cleanings than they do adult cleanings. This is due to the cost mostly, but also to the fact that adults’ live busier lives because of work. Taking care of their child’s dental issues often takes precedence over their own. Children benefit from regular cleanings more than adults do since they have two sets of teeth that grow in and need to be cared for. To understand what to expect, this website has some good information.
One of the main benefits of dental cleanings is the removal of plaque that can form in hard deposits around teeth. Brushing doesn’t always get rid of these deposits due to the bristle strength. Flossing can only get the softer, looser deposits between teeth. Rinsing, on the other hand, can often help break down plaque but will still leave harder deposits attached to teeth. Dental cleanings involve specialized tools to remove this plaque safely without damaging the tooth or gum area.
The biggest benefit to dental cleanings is the additional protection and added strength to the patient’s enamel that they provide. The coating used will help strengthen the enamel to help it last longer, but also provide a defense against plaque build-up. This coating does not last forever, however, which is why dental cleanings should be done every 6 months or so. Brushing and flossing will help prolong the life of the coating, but will not prolong it past 6 months.
Here are some other dangers that dental cleanings help fight against by cleaning gums and strengthening enamel:
- Gum Disease. When plaque stays on teeth too long, it starts to break down the jaw bone and loosen the teeth in the immediate area. Over time, the teeth in the area will fall out.
- Bad Breath. This can be caused by a multitude of reasons that a dentist can help identify. Whether it’s periodontal disease, dry mouth, or another condition that is causing the problem, a dentist can help try to resolve the issue.
- Bad Oral Health. Bad oral health can lead to a lot of other health problems like heart attacks, dementia, and stroke. It can also lead to diabetes and birth issues.
The reason enamel protection is so important is that it can break down faster depending on the patient’s diet. Soda, tea, coffee, acidic juices, acidic foods, and sweet foods, can all hurt your enamel by weakening it and causing cavities. Limiting these foods can help your teeth immensely, especially if you want to prolong the life of your cleaning protection. Discussing your diet with a trusted dentist beforehand can help them provide better care for your teeth.
Also see: Why routine dental care is important
Should Children Get Dental Cleanings?
As most parents know, children often get very uncomfortable when visiting a dentist. Finding a family dentist that works well with pediatric patients is a good first step when dealing with any type of dental issues a child may have. Starting a child off at a young age is essential when it comes to dental health and proper hygiene. Starting young helps ensure that their baby teeth will grow in properly and will remain healthy.
Children develop dental issues just as often as adults do. Working together with your dentist will help ensure the proper dental care is provided for them. Not only do dental cleanings help protect their teeth and ensure they grow in the right way, but they also provide a chance at dental education for the child. This can teach them how important it is to take care of their teeth, even if they eventually lose them to be replaced. They will understand how important it is to take care of their adult teeth when they finally grow in.
Dental cleanings will help protect a child’s teeth from all the sweet treats they snack on and all the sodas they drink. Candy and soda will be the biggest enemy to a child’s teeth, making it essential for parents to keep better control over their child’s diet for their teeth’s health. In most cases, regular dental cleanings will help prolong a child’s enamel long enough to prevent cavities from forming before the tooth comes out on its own. Once their adult teeth start to grow in, children will know how to keep their teeth healthier and understand the need for regular dental visits to help them do so. For further information, visit this website about pediatric dental cleanings.
Conclusion
While most people avoid dental cleanings due to their cost, it’s often important to take that hit to your wallet for your teeth’s sake. Dental cleanings provide important protection against several issues that can lead to larger health risks like stroke and heart disease. They help keep your teeth healthy longer, preventing cavities and infections from forming, and help brighten your smile more. Talk to your dentist about the benefits of dental cleanings for you and your family. A reputable family dentist can provide the proper education and dental procedures necessary to ensure their patients enjoy a long, healthy smile that stays bright and white for years.
