Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can build up in places that are particularly hard to clean. Tartar can develop from this buildup, too, which requires a professional cleaning to remove.
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What takes place during a professional clean?
Every situation is unique, so
each appointment will involve whatever procedures are necessary based on the
dentist or hygienist’s findings. In general, they may include removal of plaque
and tartar from the gum line and sides of the teeth, polishing of the teeth,
and giving the patient instructions on how to adjust their oral care habits
based on what was found. However, one of the most crucial parts of a cleaning
is the personalized guidance regarding brushing and flossing.
Most people are aware that they
should brush their teeth at least once a day, if not twice. However, even
people who have a regular brushing and flossing regime may fail to clean in
certain places consistently, resulting in plaque buildup that can contribute to
tooth decay and periodontal disease. Adjusting these small but essential
aspects of a person’s hygiene can have a major impact on their oral health
without overcomplicating their daily routine.
It can even be beneficial to the health of the gums
Gum health is often overlooked
when attention is focused on plaque and tartar on the teeth and around the gum
line, but plaque can easily accumulate there, irritating the tissue and leading
to periodontitis. This condition may sometimes first present itself when a
person begins to notice blood on their toothbrush after brushing. This sort of
issue may be resolved as part of a professional cleaning, but the appropriate
course of action would depend on the patient’s situation and would be decided
by the dentist or hygienist after an oral examination.
This is part of why it can be a
mistake to think of a professional cleaning as a vanity treatment. If a person
is unsure whether they need a professional cleaning, examination, or something
else, it’s always best to ask. Someone can contact Streetly Smiles Dentists in Sutton Coldfield to set up an appointment and have their options explained to them
based on their needs.
Cleaning and whitening are not the same thing
While a professional cleaning
can certainly lead to a whiter, brighter smile, it’s important to remember that
it is not a substitute for a professional whitening treatment. Surface stains can be removed during a cleaning,
especially if they’re the result of a person’s daily habits like drinking tea
or coffee. However, a professional whitening treatment is designed to change
the natural colour of the teeth, whereas a cleaning is focused on getting rid of
plaque and tartar.
It’s crucial to keep these two
services distinct in order to avoid disappointment. If a person is unhappy with
the appearance of their teeth and concerned about staining, a professional
cleaning may be all they need to restore their confidence. However, if someone
is looking to achieve dramatically lighter teeth, they’ll need to schedule a
separate appointment for whitening after having their dental health assessed.
It offers insight into the effectiveness of a person’s daily oral care
One of the most important oral
health benefits of a professional cleaning is the personalized guidance that
comes with it. Unlike generic brushing and flossing guides found in the media
or online, a dental professional can give specific advice based on what they
observe during the cleaning.
For example, if the hygienist
notices plaque buildup in one particular spot that the patient isn’t able to
reach as easily, they can let them know how to clean it effectively. This sort
of advice is especially crucial for patients who have other dental work that
needs extra care, such as bridges, implants, or braces. Instead of buying more
oral care products for use at home, a patient may find that they only need to
adjust their current routine to improve their hygiene in certain areas.
How often does a person need a professional cleaning?
It can be challenging to
determine how often one needs a professional cleaning, since it can vary from
person to person based on their oral health. A dentist or hygienist can help
determine the optimal timeframe based on their needs.
The more important consideration
is that a person shouldn’t rely on how clean their teeth look as the sole
indicator of their oral health.
Even with regular brushing and
flossing, there are areas that can be particularly difficult to clean,
harbouring bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease. In other words,
simply having teeth that look nice isn’t necessarily an indicator of complete
oral health.
A whiter, brighter smile is
certainly a benefit of a professional cleaning, but it’s far from the only
advantage. Not only can a dental professional remove plaque and tartar that a
person is unable to get rid of at home, but they can also give advice on caring
for the gums and adjusting one’s hygiene habits based on their unique needs. In
addition to these services and an in-depth oral examination, a person can
benefit from at-home care like brushing and flossing to maintain good oral
health.