(Last Updated On: March 6, 2023)

Several dentists frequently encounter people who insist they do not need their help since they do not have cavities or plaque accumulation, even though they believe they care for their teeth adequately at home. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth twice daily is not enough to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

The risk of tooth decay can be significantly reduced by scheduling regular dental cleanings. However, how often should I have a professional dental clean? You should keep reading to know how often you should clean your teeth.

Professional Dental Cleaning

By visiting a dentist for professional cleaning, patients can be assured that their teeth are cared for by someone trained to remove plaque and tartar more effectively than they can on their own.

It would help if you did not imitate professional teeth cleaning at home because your dentist will use equipment and supplies designed specifically for that purpose. Dentists are specially trained to clean teeth without harming the gums or enamel, so you can trust them to do a good job.

Your dentist will do the following procedures when cleaning your teeth:

Teeth Examination

Your dentist will check for gum disease, stains, plaque, and tartar before cleaning. They will also provide tips on better care for your teeth and gums, like flossing. Without any cause for alarm, your dentist will proceed with the cleaning.

  • Elimination Of Tartar And Plaque

Bacteria accumulate on teeth and eventually harden into tartar and plaque. The dentist uses a scaler to scrape them from your teeth. The less obvious areas of your mouth will be examined with a mirror.

  • Cleaning Using A Grittier Toothpaste

The dentist will then use abrasive toothpaste to polish your teeth and eliminate stains. Toothpaste is comparable to what you would get in your bathroom at home, but it is rougher and has tiny beads like an exfoliant for the skin. Dentists also utilise noisy, high-powered toothbrushes to help clean your teeth. Plaque and tartar can be removed from teeth more effectively when used together.

  • Flossing

Though you may floss your teeth at home, only your dentist has the training and tools to ensure that every area of your mouth is cleaned. When you floss, you eliminate food particles and bacteria between your teeth.

  • Rinsing

After flossing, your dentist will likely use a fluoride rinse to remove any lingering plaque or food particles.

  • Fluoride Treatment

When your dentist cleans your teeth, they apply a fluoride treatment to safeguard them.

Why Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?

Dental Associations recommend brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks, all of which you do, right? The point is, though, professional dental cleanings are necessary even if you follow these guidelines to the letter (and let us be honest, even the best among us have off days).

Plaque buildup on teeth occurs even with the cleanest diets. Once plaque has had time to harden into tartar, it becomes much more difficult to remove than when it was soft. Therefore, you should clean your teeth twice daily.

No matter how diligent one is about maintaining their oral hygiene routine, plaque will still accumulate, necessitating the services of a professional dental hygienist to remove it and prevent the onset of gum diseases effectively.

Suppose your dentist notices any trouble during your checkup and cleaning, including cavities, gum diseases, or oral cancer. In that case, they can treat it more easily in their early, manageable stages. Fixing these issues on a large scale can be costly and time-consuming if they are not spotted before they become critical. The effects on health can be just as catastrophic.

Conclusion

Dental professionals can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth more thoroughly than at home with brushing alone. Visit your dentist twice yearly for preventative care if you want white and spotless teeth.