Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings are a routine treatment for patients with healthy teeth and gums, usually twice a year. They are one of the most common components of dental care. However, regular teeth cleanings play a much more important role in healthy living than most patients realize. When your mouth is a healthy place, many other parts of your body benefit as a result.

Why Regular Cleanings Are Essential for the Health of Your Mouth

If you think about it, your mouth gets quite a workout all day, every day. It’s the point of entry for a host of foods and drinks and provides the perfect place for microorganisms to hang out. Over time, bacteria help to form layers of plaque and tartar on your teeth. If the plaque and tartar aren’t removed on a regular basis, your body’s immune system can become overly stressed, trying to constantly address all these bacterial invaders. Gums can become inflamed and begin to bleed as your immune system struggles to keep up.

Your teeth require special care to keep them at their peak performance. It’s not surprising that regular dental cleanings have been proven to help prevent other serious health conditions like stroke, heart disease, and even dementia.

What to Expect During the Cleaning

A dental cleaning is done by a dental hygienist. During the cleaning, the hygienist will use a variety of tools to clean the teeth both above and below the gums. Your hygienist will provide you with valuable feedback on areas of your mouth that you’re cleaning well in addition to places you may be missing. Your reward at the end of the process is a complimentary dental care packet and that “fresh from the dentist” feeling!