How Regularly Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned by a Dental Hygienist or Dentist?
You are often reminded of the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene. That is why you brush and floss your teeth at least twice each day. Although it reduces plaque buildup, it may not be enough to prevent cavities and gum disease. But it is impossible to clean all the areas of your mouth by yourself properly. Therefore, you need regular professional teeth cleanings.
How Often Should You Receive Dental Cleanings?
Most people ask how often they should have their teeth cleaned by a professional. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is based on individuals. This is because different people have various dental health issues. Generally, you should have dental exams and cleanings in Richmond Hill, ON, twice annually. However, this recommendation varies depending on specific cases.
For instance, patients with a history of gum disease have to visit a dentist for dental cleanings every three months. Periodontal maintenance through dental cleanings helps prevent the disease from spreading. It even reverses its effects if it is caught in its early stages. In addition, if you have diabetes, professional cleanings four times annually lowers your risk of gum disease.
Patients with chronic heart conditions also require more than two dental cleanings annually. In addition, if you take blood thinners or osteoporosis medicine, you are at risk of oral diseases. Therefore, you need deep cleanings every 120 days.
The same applies to patients with dry mouth conditions or at high risk of cavities. Those with dental appliances like braces or retainers also require more frequent cleanings. This is because it is difficult to clean the areas attached to them properly.
Your lifestyle will determine how often you require dental cleanings. For example, individuals who smoke or take alcohol need to schedule more dental cleaning appointments than those who do not. This is because they have a higher risk of oral diseases.
In addition, older adults require more frequent dental exams and cleanings. This is because they are susceptible to dental health issues due to changes caused by aging.
What Do Teeth Cleaning by a Dental Professional Entail?
When you go for dental exams and cleanings in Richmond Hill, ON, the dentist first performs a dental checkup. A dental exam helps check for developing oral issues. After the oral exam, the dentist in Richmond Hill, ON will begin your cleaning. You may receive some mild anesthetics and sedatives to ensure you are comfortable.
Generally, the procedure consists of these steps:
- Teeth scaling and root planning
Teeth scaling involves accessing the gums and teeth for cleaning. The dentist will use various dental tools in this first step to remove plaque, tartar, and debris from these areas. First, an automatic ultrasonic scaler or a thin hand scaler scrapes off the hardened plaque. Next, root planing is done to get rid of gum pockets.
- Prophylaxis
A high-potency toothbrush is combined with gritty toothpaste. Next, the dentist scrubs the surface of each tooth individually. Finally, prophylaxis removes teeth stains and the little tartar left from the previous step.
- Flossing
The dentist will expertly floss your teeth to remove any toothpaste residue or plaque deep between your teeth. Your dentist in Richmond Hill, ON will focus on tight spots that prevent you from flossing properly on your own.
- Polishing
The dental hygienist uses a device that contains a rotating head that buffs the teeth making them shiny. Polishing helps prevent future excessive plaque buildup.
- Rinsing And Fluoride Treatment
The dentist will rinse your mouth using liquid fluoride. It helps remove any debris from the early steps of the procedure. Next, fluoride varnish will be applied to your teeth. It helps prevent plaque buildup, reverse tiny cavities and help fight against cavities.
Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings
Attending regular dental cleanings at Richmond Dental Care assure you of the benefits below:
- The procedure helps prevent gum disease and manage irreversible gum disease.
- Routine cleaning helps patients with chronic bad breath have a fresher mouth.
- The procedure reduces the risk of bacterial and plaque buildup, leading to cavities.
- During the dental exam, the dentist in Richmond Hill, ON will check your mouth and neck for signs of oral cancer. The screening helps catch the disease before it progresses when it is easy to treat.
- Thoroughly cleaning your teeth lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
- The procedure leaves you with a whiter, brighter smile. The dental practice removes stains that cause teeth to appear dull and discolored.