You need a healthy smile for a healthy body and good oral health. As basic habits of brushing and flossing every day are important, they are not complete to take care of your teeth and gums. Dental cleanings are an important part of oral hygiene and there are many advantages of a healthy smile that come with them. In this article, we will be discussing the top 5 dental cleaning benefits that you should include in your oral health routine.
1. Preventing Cavities
One of the biggest advantages of having dental cleanings regularly is preventing cavities. Cavities, or dental caries, are holes in the teeth created by bacteria that feed on sugar and produce acid. Such acids can wear away the tooth enamel, creating cavities. If untreated, cavities can worsen and lead to severe tooth damage, including tooth loss.
Your dentist removes plaque and tartar during a teeth cleaning procedure. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that attaches to the surface of teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by toothbrush or flossing techniques. These two consist of pathogenic bacteria that may induce cavity formation. Therefore, regular removal prevents cavities and contributes to oral hygiene.
2. Maintaining Fresh Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and affect your self-confidence. While it can be caused by various factors such as poor oral hygiene, certain foods, or underlying health conditions, it is often a result of bacteria buildup in the mouth. These bacteria produce foul-smelling gases that cause bad breath.
Regular dental cleanings will help remove such bacteria and ensure fresh breath. Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your mouth during the cleaning process. This includes hard-to-reach areas, like between your teeth and along the gum line. This will improve your breath, but it also prevents other oral health issues such as gum disease.
3. Improving Overall Oral Health
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a widespread oral health issue that affects the gums and the structures that support the teeth. Bacteria in plaque and tartar cause gum disease, which makes the gums red and swollen, infected, and sensitive. If treated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Regular dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist will also check for any signs of gum disease during the cleaning process and provide treatment if necessary. By maintaining good oral health, you can prevent gum disease and its associated complications.
4. Early Detection of Dental Issues
Regular dental cleanings not only help prevent oral health problems but also allow your dentist to detect any issues early on. During the cleaning process, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth for any signs of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Early detection of these issues can help prevent them from progressing and causing more significant problems in the future.
For example, if your dentist detects a small cavity during a cleaning, they can treat it with a simple filling before it becomes more extensive and requires a root canal or extraction. Similarly, if they notice signs of gum disease, they can provide treatment to prevent it from progressing and causing tooth loss.
5. Brighter, Whiter Smile
Regular dental cleanings not only promote good oral health but also brighten up your smile. The formation of plaque and tartar on your teeth can cause yellowing or staining, making your teeth appear yellowish or dull. After removing these substances through a cleaning, your teeth will appear brighter and whiter.
Moreover, during a dental cleaning in Wilmington, your dentist may also polish your teeth to remove any surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco use. This will give you a brighter smile and boost your confidence.
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health
Apart from regular dental cleanings, there are several other oral health tips you can follow to maintain good oral health and a healthy smile. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Brush teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a floss for cleaning up food particles and plaque between teeth on a regular basis.
- Apply antiseptic mouthwash that would kill the bacteria and also keep your mouth refreshing.
- Cut back on sweets and acidic products or drinks. This is because acids can etch away tooth enamel, resulting in cavities.
- Stop smoking and use other tobacco products, since they would leave teeth discolored and even more prone to oral cancer.
- Regular checkups and cleaning with your dentist.
Keep Your Smile Healthy with Regular Dental Cleanings
At Delaware Star Dental, we emphasize the importance of regular dental cleanings to prevent cavities, maintain fresh breath, and ensure overall oral health. Our professional team helps you detect dental issues early while giving your smile the brightness it deserves. Book your appointment with our dentist in Wilmington and enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthy, confident smile!