Regular dental visits help your doctor keep track of the health of your teeth and gums. Regular teeth cleanings can also help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Regular teeth cleaning removes the bacteria in your mouth which contribute to tooth decay, cavities, gum and periodontal disease. Dr. Taylor recommends coming in twice a year for regular teeth cleaning. If you have problems, you may need to come in more often. Even if you have good dental hygiene at home, professional teeth cleaning is still necessary for healthy teeth and gums.

But I brush and floss regularly, isn’t that enough?

Even people who faithfully brush and floss need to have professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. The reason for this is your mouth has about 30 types of bacteria which live in it. These bacteria thrive on the carbohydrates in the food you eat. It only takes a small amount of food debris for the bacteria to begin to produce acid which can promote tooth decay, irritate your gums, and cause cavities.

Bacteria also produce a sticky substance known as plaque. Plaque builds up on the teeth and can harden into calculus. No matter how much you brush and floss, you can’t remove the plaque and calculus from under the gums. At home brushing and flossing can’t remove calculus at all, only a professional tooth cleaning can do this. Your technician can get under the gums and into hard to reach places to remove the plaque and calculus.

Benefits of a professional tooth cleaning

Plaque and calculus can lead to the inflammation of your gums (gingivitis). One of the first signs of gingivitis is bleeding of your gums when you brush. During a professional cleaning your tech will remove the plaque and calculus and polish your teeth to a high shine. Your teeth will feel clean and smooth. Not only are there cosmetic benefits, but health benefits as well.

Studies have shown that the health of your teeth and gums have a direct effect on your overall health. Heart disease is just one example of one of the conditions which are related to the health of your teeth and gums. If you develop periodontal disease you may have pockets of pus under your gums. This puts you at risk because the infection may enter your bloodstream. Inflammation is one of the causes of blood vessel damage which can lead to heart disease. Some studies also show a connection between periodontal disease and stroke.

Call or contact us today and set up a schedule of regular teeth cleaning. Not only will your teeth look and feel better, you’ll also be taking an important step in protecting your health.