subject: What You Need To Know About Dental Cleaning [print this page] Everyone talks about dental cleaning. But is it really necessary? Why should you bother? How does it help maintain your oral health? How often should you get your teeth cleaned by a professional? These are the questions to which we will provide answers in this article.
Dental cleaning, or scale and polish, by a dentist or dental hygienist helps you get rid of dental plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that builds up on your teeth over time. The soft and sticky film infested with bacteria that form plaque and tartar deposits cannot be cleaned by daily brushing and flossing.
Tartar, a calcium deposit forms on teeth with the help of saliva which is rich in calcium and other substances that help protect and strengthen teeth. If these deposits are not removed regularly, they provide a surface on which bacteria can thrive. Scale and polish or dental cleaning removes the deposits, leaving little opportunity, and surfaces on which bacteria can grow. This helps prevent gum disease. After a regular dental cleaning session with a professional, it makes it easier for you to effectively clean your teeth with brushing and flossing daily.
Dental cleaning is not just about oral health. Your teeth will feel and look better after a cleaning session.
A cleaning session starts withscraping away the plaque and tartar. Once this is done, your teeth will be polished to remove marks and stains. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use a variety of specialized instruments during a cleaning session. They are designed to ensure that the cleaning experience is free of pain or unpleasantness. A dental cleaning session really should not induce dental anxiety.
If you feel anxiety about the experience, remember to tell your dentist or dental hygienist and they will help you overcome your hesitations. They will take extra care during cleaning if you mention the presence of unattended painful cavities or of sensitive spots in your teeth. Numbing gels are used in cases where gum tissue is sensitive to avoid discomfort.
Most people find dental cleanings a pleasant experience.
You may have to visit the dentist more than once if you have a lot of plaque or tartar build up on your teeth; but, for most people, it only requires one visit; especially if you get your teeth cleaned regularly.
Dental professionals recommend that you visit your dentist every six months for a regular check up and cleaning session. Those who are at higher risk of oral disease should visit the dentist more than twice a year. Those who use tobacco and alcohol, have diabetes or are pregnant fall in the high risk category. Those who have poor oral hygiene and suffer from gum disease or have certain other medical conditions also face higher risk and should visit a dentist more often. Depending on your level of risk, your dentist will help you decide how often you need to visit for a checkup and cleaning session.
Not yet convinced about the need for regular dental cleaning? Read this article from About.com Dental Care onTop 10 Reasons to Have a Dental Cleaningand it may help you change your mind.
by: Dentist Finder
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