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Do I Really Need a Dental Cleaning?

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A dental hygienist using tools to provide a dental cleaning for a person with a radiant smile.

A radiant smile isn’t just achieved by routine brushing and flossing at home, it goes well beyond that. Regular dental checkups and thorough cleanings are integral to your oral health.

Yes, you really do need a dental cleaning. Professional dental cleanings are important because they remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. 

They also allow dentists to identify early signs of oral health issues, such as tooth decay or oral cancer, ensuring timely treatment. Regular cleanings contribute to overall health, as poor oral hygiene is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?

Professional teeth cleanings go beyond what your toothbrush and floss can do. Plaque, as it accumulates, hardens into tartar, a major contributor to gum disease, cavities and other dental problems.

These cleanings are an opportune time for your dentist to:

  • Identify early symptoms of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues
  • Prevent the progression of oral health conditions into severe problems
  • Give custom advice to help you uphold superior oral hygiene at home
  • Safeguard your long-term dental health, averting expensive procedures in the future

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Professional dental cleaning involves a few key stages tailored to meticulously take care of your teeth and gums. Generally, a dental cleaning appointment will include :

  • Dental check-up: Your journey begins with a careful examination of your teeth and gums performed by your dentist or hygienist, who will be on the lookout for any signs of decay, gum issues, or other concerns.
  • Plaque and tartar clearance: Professional-grade tools come into play at this stage to gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, paying particular attention to those elusive corners.
  • Tooth polishing: Next, your teeth will be treated to a polish, lifting off any surface discoloration and leaving them feeling smooth and spotless.
  • Fluoride treatment (upon request): If required, we offer a fluoride treatment as a safeguard against cavities and a robust defense strategy for your enamel.

Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Embrace optimal health with regular dental cleanings, the benefits of which extend beyond just your mouth:

  • Say goodbye to cavities: Combat tooth decay effectively with cleanings that eliminate the main culprit – plaque buildup.
  • Ward off gum disease: By removing tartar, cleanings help prevent gum inflammation, decreasing the odds of gingivitis and periodontitis.
  • Maintain fresh breath: Eliminate bacteria and plaque to achieve long-lasting freshness and improved oral hygiene.
  • Boost overall health: Maintaining oral hygiene has been associated with decreased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.
  • Flaunt a brighter smile: Tartar and stain removal during cleanings enhances the aesthetics of your teeth.
A person happily pointing to their radiant smile.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

The Canadian Dental Association suggests you book in for a dental cleaning and review every 6 months to ensure top-notch oral hygiene. This can vary though, as some people might need to visit more often due to their unique circumstances.

If you’ve dealt with gum disease, habitual cavities, or other tooth-related issues, your dentist might propose cleanings every 3 to 4 months. These regular sessions are a vital part of taking the initiative in your oral care, helping us intercept and tackle potential concerns early on and stave off more severe troubles in the future.

Our objective at Sundance Dental is to tailor your care plan to your needs, making your dental visits productive, efficient, and in sync with your lifestyle and health requirements. We are committed to delivering comprehensive, empathetic care that maintains your smile vibrant and healthy for the long haul.

What Happens if You Skip Dental Cleanings?

Forgoing regular dental checkups can pave the way for severe oral health complications in the long run, such as:

  • Gum disease: The accumulation of tartar causes inflammation (gingivitis) that could escalate to periodontitis, ultimately causing receding gums and tooth fallout.
  • Cavities: Plaque and tartar set the perfect conditions for bacteria to multiply, heightening the chances of dental decay.
  • Persistent foul breath: The excessive growth of bacteria culminates in chronic bad breath that’s challenging to control.
  • Tooth loss: Progressive gum diseases can weaken your teeth’s foundational structures, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
  • High-cost treatments: Disregarded oral hygiene often requires more aggressive and pricier procedures for treatment.

Why Choose Sundance Dental for Your Cleanings?

At Sundance Dental, we’re committed to providing a positive, comfortable experience for every patient. Here’s why our practice stands out:

  • Personalized care: We tailor every treatment to meet your unique oral health needs.
  • Modern technology: Our tools and techniques help make your cleaning more effective and comfortable.
  • Friendly team: Our knowledgeable and approachable staff aim to make each visit enjoyable.
  • Proactive approach: We focus on preventive care to help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile

At Sundance Dental, we don’t believe in waiting for oral health problems to knock on the door. Regularly scheduled professional cleanings are a vital part of ensuring your smile maintains its radiance and health, while also warding off potential future dental complications. We’re committed to assisting you in achieving the best oral health, all within a nurturing and friendly atmosphere.

Don’t delay in taking the crucial first step towards enhancing your smile. Make an appointment today! Your oral health and happiness are endlessly at the heart of what we do.

Written by Sundance Dental Clinic

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