What do you know about dental cleanings? Learn about the importance of regular teeth cleanings at your local dentist in Brewster, NY.
You get one set of teeth during your lifetime, so caring for them is vital. Yet only
62.7% of adults visited a dentist for a cleaning and exam in 2020.
Life is busy, and visiting a dentist isn't the most enjoyable event. However, professional cleanings are essential for your oral health. So what is stopping you from seeing a dentist?
Regardless of your reason, learning the importance of dental cleaning might be helpful.
Here are five reasons you need routine dental cleaning from a dentist in Brewster, NY.
1. Removes Plaque and Tartar
Dental cleaning is part of routine dental exams, which dentists recommend twice a year. Deep dental cleaning targets two primary things: plaque and tartar.
Plaque is a substance found in every mouth. It's sticky and harmful and naturally occurs from eating and drinking.
Unfortunately, plaque contains bacteria. Therefore, it stinks. It also feeds on sugars, leading to the formation of decay.
When you do not remove plaque from your teeth, it hardens. When it hardens, it becomes tartar. Tartar is very hard to remove and is not good for teeth.
Brushing your teeth removes some of the plaque found on your teeth. Flossing removes plaque from the areas between your teeth. However, removing all the plaque is nearly impossible.
A dentist can remove all the plaque with tools, equipment, and supplies. For example, they use a scaler, which is a dental tool. They scrape plaque from the teeth with this tool.
They also use abrasive toothpaste to polish and clean teeth. Additionally, many dentists use high-pressure water devices to loosen plaque.
2. Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease
Removing plaque reduces your risk of cavities, but it also reduces your risk of other issues, including
periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a problem that eventually can lead to tooth loss. This is because your gums hold your teeth in place.
Unfortunately, plaque seeps into the gums, leaving them infected.
Thus, gum disease is an infection of the gums. Gum disease forms in stages, with gingivitis being the first. If you don't treat gingivitis, the disease worsens, moving into the next stage.
Dental checkups offer the best method for preventing gum disease. Each time a dentist examines your teeth, they also look at your gums. When doing this, they look for signs of gum disease.
If they see signs of gum disease, they will offer treatment options for it. These treatment options are effective at reversing the effects of gum disease. As a result, they protect your teeth, gums, and mouth.
3. Solves Dental Problems Early
Brewster dentists aim to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth during dental cleaning. In addition, the dentist takes x-rays and looks at your teeth and gums.
The x-rays and physical examination help the dentist determine the health of your teeth. These steps also help the dentist find problems like gum disease and cavities.
Dental problems begin as small issues. For example, a cavity begins as a sticky spot on a tooth. Treating this small sticky spot is fairly easy for a dentist.
However, the sticky spot spreads if left untreated. If left too long, it can consume the entire tooth. Additionally, it can spread to other teeth and the gums, tooth roots, and jawbone.
When a dentist completes your exam and cleaning, they'll explain the findings. If you have issues, they'll explain them and tell you how they can fix them.
Dental cleaning costs might be more than you expect. But the benefits outweigh the costs. This is because fixing small issues is more affordable than fixing major problems.
4. Reveals Other Issues
Dental cleaning also reveals other issues, including general health risks.
For example, people with gum disease require treatment. If they don't receive treatment, the bacteria in the infection can spread to other body parts.
If this happens, it can increase the person's risk of heart problems. Gum disease can also affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Oral issues have other effects on a person's general health.
In addition, your dentist can help you determine why you have
bad breath, if this is a struggle you face.
Many people also struggle with tooth grinding and jaw clenching. These two events happen simultaneously during sleep but can damage your teeth. A dentist looks for signs of clenching and grinding and offers treatment.
Finally, dentists look for signs of oral cancer. Most dentists do this through an oral cancer screening, which they perform during every routine checkup.
5. Teaches How to Improve Your Habits
Visiting a dentist for routine checkups also provides a way to learn better habits for your teeth and mouth. Most dentists in Brewster offer tips to help people improve their habits.
First, they might talk to you about daily oral hygiene habits to use. This might include brushing your teeth two times each day. They can also give you instructions on proper brushing methods.
Next, they can recommend a mouth rinse to use daily. Mouth rinses come in many forms, but each targets specific issues. Your dentist can tell you which type to use based on your unique risks.
Finally, dentists can help you learn the effects of the foods and beverages you consume.
They can recommend which items to avoid due to their effects on teeth. They can also recommend safe foods for your teeth and oral health.
Visit a Dentist in Brewster, NY, for Routine Dental Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings protect your teeth, mouth, and body. If you visit a dentist in Brewster, NY, twice a year, you'll have a healthier mouth and nicer teeth.
Would you like to learn more about scheduling an appointment?
Contact us at Putnam Bright Smile Dentistry to schedule an appointment. We offer family dentistry services and are accepting new patients.
