Dental Cleanings
When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, regular dental cleanings play a crucial role. These cleanings are essential to preventive dental care and can help prevent a wide range of oral health issues. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional. These deposits can lead to oral health issues, including cavities, gum disease, and bad breath if left unaddressed. The frequency of dental cleanings can vary depending on individual oral health needs. For most people, biannual cleanings are recommended. However, some individuals may require more frequent cleanings, such as those with a history of gum disease, smokers, diabetics, or people with compromised immune systems. At Wayne T. Yee, DDS, our dentist or hygienist will determine the appropriate cleaning schedule based on your oral health condition.
Why are Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Despite regular brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach mouth areas. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth, and when it hardens, it turns into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing and requires professional dental cleaning.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health issue caused by plaque buildup and tartar along the gumline. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum inflammation, gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings help prevent and manage gum disease by removing the harmful substances contributing to its development.
Early Detection of Dental Issues
The dental professional thoroughly examines teeth and gums during dental cleaning. This examination can lead to the early detection of potential dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, oral infections, and even oral cancer. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, preventing further complications.
The Dental Cleaning Process
Using specialized dental tools, the dental professional will carefully remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gumline. This process is called scaling and may involve manual tools and ultrasonic scalers. Once the tartar is removed, the teeth will be brushed using a high-powered electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. This step helps remove any residual plaque or stains.
The dental professional will floss between the teeth to clean the areas that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush. You will be asked to rinse your mouth to remove any debris loosened during cleaning. The dentist or hygienist will conduct a final examination to ensure everything looks healthy and address any concerns or recommendations.
By removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums, dental cleanings help prevent gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and other oral health issues. For the best dental care, visit Wayne T. Yee, DDS, at 3125 Coffee Rd # 1, Modesto, CA 95355, or call (209) 529-2726.
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