Your Teeth Get More Than Clean During a Cleaning Posted on 2/10/2020 by Sundberg Office The primary reason you get dental cleanings is to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and both above and below the gum line. This is done with a metal scaler or a vibrating device and gives your mouth the extra cleaning it needs every 6 months or so. However, this isn't the only important thing that happens during a dental cleaning. When we finish the initial cleaning, your teeth will be polished with an abrasive paste, which leaves the surfaces of your teeth and makes it harder for plaque to adhere to them and cause buildup.
What Else Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
We will also perform an exam to check for signs of dental or gum disease, which can reduce your risk of gum disease and oral cancer if detected sooner than without an exam. Your overall health is our main concern, so we're here to do much more than just clean your teeth. When we examine your mouth during routine cleanings, we are always aware of any signs that could indicate issues that can worsen and cause much bigger problems.
How Can I Help Detect or Prevent Oral Health Issues?
A solid oral care routine is your best defense against tooth decay and gum disease, but you can also look inside your mouth every month or so to look for any swelling or redness in your gums or any white or red patches. Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth can be an indicator of gum disease, or it can mean that you need to floss and brush more thoroughly. Revisit your brushing habits and make sure that you use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as firm bristles can damage your teeth and gums. A lot goes on during a dental cleaning that you may not know about, but that's the reason we're here – to protect your oral health and always be on the lookout for problems that become much worse. If you're having any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact our office to schedule a visit.