A dental cleaning is a vital part of good oral hygiene. It is a preventative treatment that involves the dentist removing tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces. It is performed using a metal tool known as a scaler. Dentists recommend getting teeth cleaned at least two times each year, as it goes a long way when it comes to safeguarding your oral health.
A dental cleaning is one of the more affordable treatments performed by dentists and it can be completed in less than an hour. It involves the dentist using a scaler to scrape off tartar from teeth surfaces. Tartar is calcified plaque. It forms when plaque is left on teeth surfaces for prolonged periods.
The process usually starts with the dentist examining the patient's teeth. Diagnostic tests like x-rays may be performed to evaluate the patient's teeth, roots and jaw. During the treatment, the dentist will also use dental floss to remove plaque from the spaces between the patient's teeth. The process is finalized by polishing the person's teeth with a slightly abrasive paste. The dentist might also perform a fluoride treatment to protect the patient's teeth against tooth decay. Some of the reasons dentists recommend regular dental cleanings are because they:
A dental cleaning can help you avoid having to deal with unexpected dental issues, like toothaches. The process involves the dentist examining the patient's teeth so that any developing issues can be detected. Oral problems like cavities typically do not have any symptoms in their early stages, but the trained eye of a dentist combined with tools like x-rays allow the oral professional to notice signs the patient might miss. Generally speaking, the earlier a dental issue is detected, the easier it is to fix it. That also translates into lower dental bills.
Plaque, bacteria and tartar can make their way into pockets between teeth. This accumulation of irritants leads to the immune system sending antibodies to fight off the invasion, which leads to bleeding, tenderness and inflammation. These are symptoms of gum disease, and the condition can lead to teeth falling out if left untreated. Removing bacteria from gum pockets also leads to fresher breath.
Tartar discolors teeth and it builds up on their surfaces. It has a yellow tint and it is more porous than teeth. As a result, teeth covered with tartar stain more easily. Fortunately, the stains and discoloration caused by tartar are removed during dental cleaning. Many patients feel more confident about the appearance of their teeth after getting them cleaned by a dentist.
Good oral health is directly related to overall health. Dental problems like gum disease are linked to serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Regular dental cleanings keep your teeth healthy. Call us or visit our Oakland dental office to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaklandsmiles.com or call Oakland Smile Dentistry at (510) 256-5117 for an appointment in our Oakland office.
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