The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Practising good oral hygiene is crucial for having a healthy and confident smile. But you must not forget routine dental checkups, for these visits allow early identification of tooth problems. In this blog, we are going to highlight the benefits of obtaining dental cleanings and learn how they contribute to healthier teeth and gums. Read below to know. 

Top six advantages of dental cleanings 

1. Detect dental problems in advance

According to Nicole Sadler, a reputed dental hygienist, ‘‘Regular dental cleanings allow identification of potential tooth-related issues at their earliest stages. These may include cavities, gum troubles, and similar oral problems. When pinpointed at the very start, we can promptly intervene in the case and thus prevent further damage. This minimises the chances of costlier treatments down the way.’’

She states even more, ‘‘If we spot a small cavity early, a dental filling can solve the whole thing. However, when the patient neglects it for a long time and delays treatment, that very point-sized cavity can turn out to be a bigger one. Then, we need to suggest other procedures, such as a crown, a RCT or even a tooth extraction.’’ 

2. Better oral hygiene

No matter how precisely you brush and floss at home, some region is always left out, which is difficult to clean. A professional dental team helps you clean those hard-to-access parts by using special equipment and techniques. This removes plaque and prevents tartar build-up, not only from the tooth gaps but also along the gum line. Thus, the chances of gum diseases and tooth decay are minimised, contributing to a disease-free mouth! 

3. Prevent gum disease

Also known as periodontitis or pyorrhoea, gum disease is a common oral health condition. It affects your gums and gradually progresses towards the jawbone and teeth. However, regular dental cleanings can help prevent such scenarios by removing plaque and tartar. They are the main culprits behind gum inflammation and irritation. Dental Hygienist London is a leading tooth clinic in UK that provides comprehensive dental cleaning procedures. Besides, you can obtain personalised, expert guidance here on optimal oral health maintenance.   

4. Screens oral cancer

Similar to other types of cancer, oral cancer can be fatal if not identified early. When you visit the clinic of a dental hygienist, he will perform a thorough examination of your mouth. An additional screening test for oral cancer will be performed to confirm its presence. It is a very simple exam, incurring no pain to individuals. This enables enhanced oral health outcomes.   

5. Customised oral health advice

Dental hygienists are knowledgeable individuals who can guide you on preventive care.  During a dental cleaning session, their team will offer personalised oral care tips. This includes informing patients like you about the correct brushing and flossing techniques, which oral hygiene products to use and more. Also, they may recommend some positive lifestyle approaches that can subsequently enhance your oral health. 

6. Maintains overall well-being

Recent research studies show good oral hygiene is directly linked to minimised systemic disorders. For example, cardiovascular issues, high blood sugar and respiratory issues. This is because when oral bacteria are removed efficiently, they will not pass down to your gut and other internal organs.

How frequent should you obtain dental cleanings?

Most dental hygienists recommend routine cleanings two times a year. However, if you suffer from any chronic systemic condition such as diabetes or gum disease, you may require dental cleanings more often. Nicole Sydney says, “Metabolic conditions such as diabetes can produce an unusual odour in the mouth. Those suffering from high blood sugar do not produce sufficient insulin or cannot utilise it effectively. This prompts their bodies to break down the stored fat into ketones for energy production.’’ She adds, ‘‘ With such high build-up of ketone bodies, the acidity level of blood spikes up, giving rise to an acetone smell in the breath.’’

Also, if you are someone who practices poor oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings will be needed frequently. When we have foods or beverages throughout the day, some particles remain stuck in minute folds of the mouth or tooth gaps. If those are not eliminated timely, they become a favourable place for bacteria to build colonies, leading to bad breath. This increases the risk of potential gum diseases and future dental decay. Also, factors like dehydration, smoking, usage of certain medications and meal skips can negatively impact oral health. Therefore, we recommend you to make healthy lifestyle choices to preserve your pearly whites and overall well-being. 

What to expect in a dental cleaning session?

After you visit a dental hygienist’s office for routine cleanups, he will perform the following steps.

1. Scaling: A hand or an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth’s surface.
2. Polishing: Then, a special paste is applied with a soft rubber cup. This removes the biofilm, making your teeth smooth and brighter.
3. Flossing: This aids in removing any additional food debris that may be present within the tooth gaps.
4. Rinsing: In this, the patient swishes a fluoride solution in his mouth, and spits it out after sometime. This helps freshen the mouth and keeps out infections.
5. Fluoride treatment: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel, thus preventing cavities. Professional dental cleaning treatments contain 1.23% of fluoride more than commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes. This promotes healthy teeth. 

Aftercare tips to maintain dental cleaning results

• Cut down on extremely sweet items such as candies and chewing gums. These are often sticky and can remain in your teeth for long periods even if you have rinsed.
• Have fibre-rich vegetables, especially the green ones, such as, lettuce, carrots, and celery. These are effective in cleaning tooth surfaces, thus minimising plaque and food stains. And guess the best part? They help exercise the jaws, enhancing your overall facial structure and smile aesthetics.
• Brush and floss consistently after finishing main meals. Give special importance on the in-between teeth regions and tongue. You can use a tongue cleaner or scraper for this.
• Drink lots of water as it keeps you hydrated. Instead of gulping in one go, sip throughout the day in small amounts. Not only does it help to flush out toxins from the system, but it also maintains good dental health.

If you already experience swollen and bleeding gums, treat it as urgent and consult a reputed dental hygienist. 

Conclusion

Prevention is always better than cure, and it especially holds true for managing dental health. Thus, if you face persistent tooth problems, do not sit back. Visit any of your local dental hygienists and opt for a cleaning session immediately. This will help you embark on having a better and healthier smile that lasts till a lifetime!