Why Routine Dental Cleanings Are So Important

Preventative dental care, such as X-rays, dental exams, and regular dental cleanings, prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can eventually affect your overall health. Despite this, as many as 19% of American adults didn’t receive dental treatment in 2023.

Keep reading to learn why routine dental checkups and dental cleanings are so important.

Why Are Dental Cleanings So Important?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings from a dental hygienist are crucial to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Routine dental cleanings are essential because brushing and flossing alone do not eliminate cavities caused by plaque, tartar, and bacteria-filled biofilm that build up on the teeth. This buildup can only be safely removed by a professional dental hygienist. Routine dental cleanings from a professional dental hygienist provide the following benefits:

The Removal Of Plaque And Tartar

According to the Cleveland Clinic, plaque is a sticky substance produced when the sugars and starches from our food combine with bacteria in our mouths. While regular brushing, flossing, and other good oral health habits prevent and delay plaque buildup, it is impossible to completely eliminate it without dental cleanings. When not cleaned off by a dental hygienist, plaque can harden into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing.

Prevents Gum Disease

According to the Mayo Clinic, plaque increases your risk of gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease). When plaque hardens into tartar, this tartar can get under the gum line, which allows even more plaque and the associated bacteria to get into those areas. Gingivitis causes discomfort and inflammation in the gums, leading to pockets forming between the teeth. These pockets and the associated gum loss make it easier for bacteria to enter deeper into your gums, the surrounding tissues, and even your jawbone.

Maintains Healthy Teeth And Gums

Regular dental cleanings allow your dental hygienist to assess whether you would be a good candidate for other preventative dental care measures, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments. They also give you a chance to discuss health-related and lifestyle factors that could be contributing to oral health problems.

Saves You Money

Preventative dental care tends to cost significantly less than restorative treatments, such as fillings, root canals, bridges, dental implants, or porcelain veneers.

What To Expect During A Dental Cleaning

At routine dental cleaning appointments (also referred to as dental prophylaxis), you can expect the following:

X-rays and an exam: If you haven’t had dental X-rays recently, your dental hygienist may want X-rays to check your teeth and gums for any signs of problems or infections that may not be visible to the naked eye. They will also ensure that your medical and dental history are updated.
Periodontal probing: This is the part of the dental exam when the dental hygienist measures your gums. It is done because abnormal gum recession can indicate dental problems, increasing your risk of disease.
Thorough cleaning and polishing: The dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Once done, your teeth will be flossed and polished (polishing prevents plaque buildup).
Fluoride treatment: If your dentist and hygienist have decided you could benefit from a preventative fluoride treatment, this will happen last.

What If You Haven’t Had A Cleaning In A While?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, some patients may require more extensive dental cleanings, such as:

Gross debridement: Those who haven’t received a dental cleaning in a year or more may require gross debridement. Gross debridement is an extensive routine dental cleaning. It just takes longer due to the increased plaque and tartar buildup.
Scaling and root planing: This is considered a deep dental cleaning and is generally reserved for those diagnosed with gingivitis. It’s the most extensive dental cleaning where the dental hygienist gives you local anesthesia to numb your gums and then goes beneath the gum line to clean out bacteria and hardened tartar.

How Often Should You Get A Dental Cleaning?

Most people should get a dental cleaning every six months. However, those with underlying dental issues, such as gum disease, may need more frequent cleanings. It’s best to follow your dentist’s recommendation for how often you should come for cleanings.

The Importance Of Regular Dental Exams

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), regularly getting dental examinations is the best way to detect problems early when they are the easiest and most affordable to treat. Routine dental exams and cleanings allow you to identify and attend to dental concerns before these issues escalate.

It’s important to see the dentist regularly so they can detect problems before they start to cause you discomfort and inconvenience. Even without symptoms, you can experience dental issues, such as tooth decay (cavities), that will get worse without treatment.

The Consequences Of Neglecting Dental Cleanings

Cavities: If plaque buildup is left on your teeth for too long, this leads to cavities and tooth decay.
Bad breath: Regular dental checkups with dental cleanings can help to rid your mouth of the bacteria and tartar that are prone to causing bad breath.
Increased sensitivity: According to the Cleveland Clinic, plaque buildup, cavities, and cracks in the teeth can all cause increased sensitivity.
Gum disease: If a dental hygienist doesn’t regularly remove the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and near your gums, the bacteria can eventually get inside your gums, leading to gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis will eventually lead to irreversible gum disease.
Losing teeth: If gum disease isn’t properly treated, the bacteria will continue to spread through the teeth, gums, and into the bone, leading to losing teeth.
Health complications: The Cleveland Clinic notes that routine dental cleanings decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

Finding The Right Dentist For You

When looking for a dentist, it’s best to look for a dental office that will meet your personal needs. Here are some things to consider when trying to find the right dentist for you:

Does the office have hours and a location that fits your schedule?
Are the staff certified and well-trained?
Does the office offer emergency dental care?
Does the office accept your dental insurance?
Does the office have financing options?
What procedures are offered?

The URBN Dental Difference

At URBN Dental, you will find expertly trained dentists, specialists, and dental hygienists committed to exceptional care. As one of the most highly rated dental offices in Houston, Texas, you can expect:

Reliable and professional care from expertly trained staff
Comprehensive services
A peaceful and friendly atmosphere
Affordable prices
The latest and best dental equipment
Non-toxic, BPA-free fillings

Multiple convenient locations surrounding Houston, Texas

FAQ

Does Insurance Cover Routine Dental Cleanings?

Yes. The majority of dental insurance plans cover preventative dental coverage, such as cleanings.

What Are Your Options If You Don’t Have Insurance?

If you don’t have dental insurance, discuss financing options with your dental office before booking an appointment. URBN Dental accepts most PPO insurance and has financing options available to assist those who may be uninsured or those who may need to supplement their coverage.

Is A Teeth Cleaning Painful?

Routine dental cleanings should be completely painless. However, those with gum disease or an underlying infection may experience some discomfort.

How Can You Prepare For A Teeth Cleaning?

Brushing and flossing before your appointment is appreciated to give your dental team a clean work area. Other than that, simply bring your medical information and any questions/concerns you may have, and try to relax.

Routine dental cleanings are vital to maintaining good oral and overall health. Whether you’re looking for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, or restorative dental implants, URBN Dental can help you find the right treatment plan.