A beautiful smile holds many superpowers, including making you look younger. But it does take a lot of time and effort to maintain a beautiful and glossy smile. No matter how much you care for oral health or follow the dentists’ instructions, you still need to come in for a professional dental cleaning periodically.
With that said, this one question must be popping into your thoughts: how often should you get a professional dental cleaning? The answer to that query is explained in further detail below. But first, it’s important to understand why it’s so critical to take care of your teeth and gums.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?
If you’re wondering why receiving a professional dental cleaning is considered a necessity when it comes to properly looking after your oral hygiene, allow us to help you out. Although we have our toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash at home, a professional dentist and dental hygienist have other tools that we don’t have. This includes a handheld mirror and scaler that allows them to see as well as reach the corners of your mouth that we’re unable to on our own.
With years of experience and professional training, dentists know about all the possible risks that later turn into cavities or progressive tooth decay. Taking to a professional for additional help and frequently visiting a dentist near you will help you maintain a beautiful smile on your face.
How Often is a Dental Check-Up and Cleaning Needed?
How often you should attend a dental check-up and cleaning – two treatment methods that are typically combined into a single, 60-minute appointment – is dependent on several factors, including your regular oral hygiene regime, your age, and if you’re currently dealing with any underlying conditions that may pose an issue in the future like gingivitis. A general rule of thumb shared by most, if not all, dentists is advising patients to come in and receive care at least every six months.
If you need professional guidance or are looking to gather further details, you can visit a dental clinic to learn more about receiving dental cleanings near you. Your dentist will explain each distinct stage of the process to you so that you know what to expect and feel comfortable while they work.
What To Do In-Between Dental Cleanings
Although the level of attention and care that is extended to you by your dentist during your check-up and subsequent cleaning is of the highest quality, you still need to look after the health of your smile daily. There are multiple ways that you can go about doing this in addition to brushing after mealtimes; they are noted below for your convenience:
Drink Less Soda– Drinking soda regularly can lead to severe discoloration of your teeth, making it especially difficult for your dentist to freshen up and, by extension, brighten your smile during the dental cleaning process.
Cut Down on Sugar– It is also recommended to avoid or decrease sugar intake. This will help you keep your smile healthy since fewer bacteria will gather in the little nooks and crannies on the surface of your teeth.
Say No to Smoking– Not only for the sake of your lungs but for your smile too! Smoking, specifically tobacco, not only stains your teeth but it can cause gum disease to develop which, if left untreated, can even lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss. Ultimately, it will undo all the progress you have made during your dental cleaning sessions.
Floss– Dentists often recommend flossing for better oral health. If you experience minor bleeding while flossing, this is most likely a sign that your gums are weak and you should floss more frequently.
If you take care to consider these guidelines, you can be sure that you’ll achieve much better results when it’s time for you to come in and see your dentist. You will also avoid the headache of paying for a dental cleaning that has little effect on the hygiene of your overall smile.
Benefits of Regular Check-Ups and Cleaning
Patients will experience many benefits when they attend dental cleaning sessions regularly. These appointments will freshen up your breath, strengthen your gum tissue, and boost the aesthetic appearance of your smile which will, in turn, boost your self-confidence and aid in preserving your teeth and gums from succumbing to more complex problems such as a root canal or tooth extraction. Dental exams and cleanings are, essentially, a fundamental part of leading a happy, healthy lifestyle. Talk to your dental team to gather more information or if you have any queries or concerns.
Visit Us
Reading to book your next dental cleaning and check-up in Airdrie? If so, visit us at Airdrie Choice Dental. Contact us at 587-775-9911 to officially kick off your oral health journey and achieve the smile that you’ve been dreaming of.