Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for your overall health. While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, sometimes they are not enough to keep your teeth and gums in top condition. This is where professional teeth cleaning comes in. In Brampton, it is important to recognize the signs that indicate the need for professional cleaning. This article will guide you through what teeth cleaning involves, why it is necessary, and the top five signs that suggest it is time to book an appointment.
What is a Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning is a procedure performed by a dental professional to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. It involves the use of specialized tools to clean both the visible surfaces of your teeth and the areas below the gum line. Professional teeth cleaning is more thorough than regular home care and helps maintain oral health by preventing dental issues.
Why Do You Need a Professional Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning is essential because it removes the build-up of plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and, if not removed, hardens into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. Regular professional cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems, ensuring your mouth stays healthy.
5 Signs You Need a Professional Teeth Cleaning
-
Persistent Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is more than just an embarrassment. Persistent bad breath often indicates the presence of plaque and tartar build-up, which harbours bacteria. These bacteria produce foul-smelling compounds, leading to chronic bad breath. If you notice that your breath remains unpleasant despite good oral hygiene practices, it is a sign that you need a professional cleaning to remove the bacteria causing the problem.
-
Visible Plaque and Tartar Build-up
Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which appears as a yellow or brown deposit on your teeth. Tartar is much harder to remove and can only be eliminated with professional dental tools. If you can see plaque and tartar on your teeth, it is a clear sign that you need a professional cleaning. Removing this build-up is crucial to prevent cavities and gum disease.
-
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing is a clear sign that you need professional cleaning. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Plaque build-up along the gum line irritates the gums, causing them to become inflamed and bleed. Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line, reducing inflammation and preventing gum disease from progressing. Regular cleanings keep your gums healthy and prevent more serious conditions like periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
-
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can occur when the enamel, which protects your teeth, is worn down, exposing the underlying dentin. This can be caused by plaque build-up, which leads to enamel erosion. Sensitive teeth can cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. A professional cleaning can help reduce tooth sensitivity by removing plaque and tartar that contribute to enamel erosion. By keeping your teeth free from harmful build-up, you can protect your enamel and reduce sensitivity, making eating and drinking more comfortable.
-
Stained or Discoloured Teeth
Teeth can become stained or discoloured due to various factors, including consumption of coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco use. While some discolouration can be superficial, it often indicates deeper staining that requires professional intervention. Professional teeth cleaning can effectively remove surface stains and brighten your smile. Dental hygienists use specialized tools and techniques to polish your teeth, removing stains and giving you a cleaner, whiter appearance. Regular cleanings can help maintain a bright smile and boost your confidence.
What Happens During Teeth Cleaning?
A professional teeth cleaning typically involves several steps to ensure a thorough clean. Here is what you can expect during a teeth-cleaning session:
-
Examination
Before the cleaning begins, the dental hygienist will examine your mouth to check for any signs of oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, or other concerns. This initial examination helps identify areas that may need special attention during the cleaning.
-
Scaling
Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. The dental hygienist uses special tools to scrape away the build-up, ensuring that your teeth are free from harmful deposits. This step is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease.
-
Polishing
After scaling, the dental hygienist will polish your teeth using a gritty paste and a rotating brush. Polishing helps remove surface stains and smoothens the surface of your teeth, making it harder for plaque to accumulate. This step leaves your teeth looking and feeling cleaner.
-
Flossing
Flossing is the final step in a professional cleaning. The dental hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris and ensure that your gums are healthy. This step helps maintain the cleanliness achieved during the scaling and polishing processes.>
-
Fluoride Treatment
In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied after cleaning. Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities. The dental hygienist may apply a fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth, which will provide added protection against decay.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleanings
Regular professional teeth cleanings offer numerous benefits for your oral health and overall well-being. Here are some:
-
Prevents Cavities
By removing plaque and tartar build-up, professional cleanings help prevent the formation of cavities. This keeps your teeth strong and healthy.
-
Reduces Risk of Gum Disease
Regular cleanings reduce the risk of gum disease by removing plaque and tartar that cause gum inflammation. Healthy gums are essential for maintaining your teeth and overall oral health.
-
Improves Breath
Professional cleanings help eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
-
Brightens Your Smile
Polishing during a professional cleaning removes surface stains, giving you a brighter, whiter smile.
-
Detects Oral Health Issues Early
During a professional cleaning, the dental hygienist can identify early signs of oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and other concerns. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, preventing more serious problems down the road.
-
Enhances Overall Health
Good oral health is linked to overall health. Regular professional cleanings can help reduce the risk of systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked to poor oral health.
Regular professional teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. If you experience any of the signs mentioned above—persistent bad breath, visible plaque and tartar build-up, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, or stained teeth—it is time to book an appointment with a dental professional. Taking proactive steps to care for your teeth can prevent more serious dental issues in the future and keep your smile looking its best.
If you notice any of these signs, do not wait! Springdale Dental Centre in Brampton is here to help you maintain a healthy smile. Contact us at 905-458-1212 to schedule your professional teeth cleaning today. Your oral health is our priority, and we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care.
