In This Article
What are teeth cleaning & dental checkup?
Teeth cleaning and dental checkups are essential components of preventative dentistry. You should ideally go for two dental cleanings and checkups every year to maintain optimal oral health and prevent dental problems. Dental cleaning involves removing the accumulated plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line, thereby preventing gingivitis or periodontitis. And dental checkups involve routine examinations and inspections to ensure you have optimal oral health without signs and symptoms of dental decay and cavities, periodontitis, oral cancer, etc.
Dental cleaning may seem non-essential because it’s done without active symptoms, but it’s essential for preventative care. Most dental problems can be avoided with proper oral hygiene and care. You must brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash, and go for dental cleanings every six months. That’s because the trace amounts of food particles in your mouth can turn into a sticky white substance called plaque, which can harden into tartar, leading to a higher risk of gum disease.
During a routine dental cleaning, the dentist performs teeth scaling to remove all the accumulated plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line. This prevents gingivitis and periodontitis, the two stages of gum disease. Furthermore, the dentist also examines your teeth for signs of cavities and dental decay, which can gradually worsen with time. With regular dental checkups, you can ensure that all dental problems are addressed at the earliest stages possible, so you don’t need complex, expensive procedures down the line.
Below, we answer the most common questions about teeth cleaning and dental checkups.
Does dental cleaning have any benefits?
- Brighten Your Smile: Dental cleaning removes the film of plaque and yellowish tartar from your teeth and gum line. It also removes the accumulated food particles and polishes your teeth, thus brightening your teeth. It’s not the same as a whitening procedure, but it can slightly improve the shade of your teeth.
- Reduce Halitosis: The accumulation of plaque and tartar can lead to bacteria in your mouth, which, in turn, can lead to persistent bad breath. A dental cleaning removes the plaque, bacteria, and tartar, thus improving the freshness of your breath.
- Prevent Cavities: Plaque and tartar can lead to severe dental decay and cavities, leading to the gradual erosion of enamel. If allowed to continue, the cavities can reach the pulp chamber, necessitating a root canal. Dental cleaning prevents cavities or helps with early detection.
- Prevent Tooth Loss: The accumulation of plaque and tartar on the gum line leads to gum recession as your gum tissues pull away from your teeth. This can eventually lead to the loss of teeth. You may also experience the loss of teeth if dental cavities spread deep into the structures of your teeth. Dental cleaning and checkups prevent the loss of teeth.
- Improve Overall Health: The mouth is connected to your body, so your oral health affects your overall health. Periodontitis significantly increases the risk of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart conditions, respiratory problems, strokes, and more. Dental cleaning and checkups prevent periodontitis, thus ensuring optimal overall health.
How bad can missing a dental cleaning be?
Most dentists suggest regular dental cleanings once every six months. That figure is based on the average duration it takes most people to develop an unhealthy volume of plaque and tartar on the teeth. However, poor oral hygiene, a history of gingivitis, misaligned teeth, and other factors can also lead to plaque and tartar accumulation in two or three months. Whatever your recommended timeline might be, you must adhere to regular dental cleanings according to your dentist’s recommendations.
If you miss a dental cleaning, the plaque and tartar on your teeth may continue accumulating and spreading. The plaque and tartar can accumulate in your gum line, leading to gum recession and gingivitis. And you may also develop small cavities that could otherwise be avoided. The longer you avoid dental cleanings, the worse the situation might become, eventually necessitating dental crowns, root canals, or even dental extractions. As such, you must never avoid your dental cleaning appointments.
How can I tell if I need dental cleaning?
- You see yellowish tartar on your teeth
- You notice signs of dental decay
- You have persistent bad breath, indicative of bacterial accumulation
- You notice the symptoms of gum disease, such as red or bleeding gums
- You haven’t had a dental cleaning in more than six months
What is the dental cleaning procedure?
The dental cleaning procedure is simple and non-invasive, usually concluding within 30 minutes. The dental hygienist asks you to rinse your mouth before the treatment. During your session, a tooth scaling device, known as an ultrasonic scaler, is used to remove the accumulated plaque and tartar from your teeth. The dental hygienist will floss and polish your teeth and then make you rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. You will also receive a mouth tray with a fluoride gel, which will protect your teeth from bacterial decay for a few months.
How much does it cost to get teeth cleaned at the dentist?
The cost of dental cleaning depends on the location of the dental cleaning, the teeth cleaning tool used, whether you need sedation, and other factors. Please contact your dentist near me and ask about their dental cleaning services to determine the average cost of teeth cleaning.
Schedule your dentist teeth cleaning today
URBN Dental is Montrose’s most reliable dental cleaning for dentist teeth cleaning. Our dental clinic is located at 3201 Allen Pkwy, Houston, making it ideal for patients in or around the Museum District, West University Place, Upper Kirby, or River Oaks in Houston. Please schedule your dentist’s teeth cleaning today.