According to Statistics Canada, nearly 38% of Canadians follow the recommendation to brush their teeth twice a day and floss once daily.
How often are you cleaning your teeth? Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential — not just for improving dental health but also for your overall health. Poor oral hygiene is linked to many health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, bone loss, and strokes. Part of good oral hygiene is seeing your dentist at least once every 6 months for regular teeth cleaning and check-up.
Keep reading to discover why regular detail cleanings are important and what you can expect at these routine visits.
The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleaning
There are several dental health issues which can be mitigated by getting your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Regular teeth cleanings can help you avoid the risk of cavities and prevent gum disease. During the cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist can spot any potential cavities and identify gingivitis in your mouth. The cleaning also helps eliminate bad breath, reduce stains on your teeth, and can brighten your smile.
What to Expect During a Cleaning
The teeth cleaning process should take about 30 minutes. The dental hygienist will scrape away the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. This should not hurt, but you may hear a lot of scraping and some spots may require a little extra work. The better you are at brushing and flossing between visits, the less scraping there will need to be.
Once all the buildup has been removed, a high-powered electric toothbrush will clean your teeth. A gritty toothpaste scrubs your teeth to remove any remaining bacteria.
Next, the floss will be used to ensure your teeth are thoroughly clean. The dentist or dental hygienist can examine your gums during flossing for any potential trouble spots.
Finally, you will rinse your mouth before a fluoride treatment is applied. This gel treatment will help protect your teeth for several months after cleaning.
What to Expect During a Check-Up
Your dentist will begin by examining your neck and head to ensure no issues with your lymph nodes or jaw. At this time, your dentist may also choose to take some x-rays of your teeth.
The dentist will then examine your teeth thoroughly, checking for cracked or broken teeth or fillings. They will also check for cavities and oral cancer or gum disease signs. If they find anything, the dentist will discuss the next steps for resolving these issues.
Before sending you on your way, your dentist may review the best ways to care for your teeth at home.
Scheduling Your Cleaning Ahead of Time
Whether it's been a while since your last visit or just 6 months, now is the time to plan your next regular teeth cleaning. Scheduling teeth cleanings is easy at Sherwood Family Dental. Call us today to get booked for your next teeth cleaning. Our friendly and welcoming team will make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.