What is a Dental Cleaning?
As with dental checkups, it’s especially important to attend professional dental cleanings on a regular basis. Even when you brush and floss your teeth every day, the plaque that constantly forms on them can eventually harden into tartar (or calculus). When it does, your toothbrush and floss cannot clean it away. If it isn’t removed with a professional cleaning, then tartar can soon lead to the development of cavities and gum disease.
What can I expect during a dental cleaning?
Brushing and flossing your teeth is a minor form of cleaning that you should engage in every day. However, dental cleanings involve thoroughly removing plaque and tartar from every surface of your teeth using professional dental equipment.
The process of cleaning your teeth is simple and does not usually take long, and the procedure is performed during your dental checkup appointment. If you exhibit signs of gingivitis, however, then you might require a more complex periodontal cleaning, also known as ultrasonic scaling and root planing.
What if it’s been a long time since my last cleaning?
The longer you wait between dental cleaning appointments, the more oral bacteria can gather on your teeth in the form of plaque and tartar. As each day passes, your risks of tooth decay, gum disease, chronic bad breath and other issues significantly increase. If you’ve been putting off your dental cleanings, Dr. Petto Messina advises scheduling one as soon as possible to avoid the need for extensive restorative treatment later.