Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?

A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a preventative procedure performed to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. During cleaning, our dentist will gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, then polish the surfaces of your teeth to make them look shiny and clean. Your dentist may recommend that you receive one or multiple cleanings per year, depending on your dental health and the severity of your dental issues. 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Cleaning?

At Brighter Day Dental, we believe that preventative care is essential to maintaining oral health. In addition to exams and x-rays, we are proud to offer routine dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance. When these treatments are regularly administered, our patients benefit from a number of important benefits, including:

Improved Oral Health

The more buildup that accumulates on your teeth, the harder they will be to clean. This can lead to cavities and gum disease. Unfortunately, many people do not notice the signs of gum disease until the damage has already been done. Routine dental cleanings are one of the best ways to prevent the serious oral disease from developing. Additionally, people who receive proper dental care often experience less discomfort during appointments.

Gum Disease Prevention

Most people don’t realize it, but early forms of periodontal disease are highly reversible when caught and treated in the early stages. Regular cleanings are a great way to keep your gums healthy and in top shape. However, if you already suffer from advanced gum disease, our dentists can provide you with more advanced treatment options to help improve your oral health.

Professional Polishing

Dental cleanings do more than just remove plaque and tartar from your smile. Our dental hygienists are also trained to professionally polish your pearly whites. This process removes minor surface stains that have accumulated on your teeth over time. Remember, even people who have great at-home oral hygiene routines will often have some minor surface staining that cannot be removed with homemade remedies alone.

Fresh Breath

Finally, regular cleanings can be a great way to freshen your breath without the use of mouthwash or mints. While store-bought products are effective at temporarily eliminating bad breath, they do not address the underlying causes of the problem. By removing the bacteria that cause persistent bad breath, you can ensure that your breath stays fresh all day long.

How Often Should You Have Dental Cleanings?

It is recommended that you get a professional dental cleaning at least once every calendar year. However, some people may need more frequent visits if their teeth are prone to cavities or gum disease.

Many people with healthy teeth and gums only need to visit their dentist for cleanings once or twice per year. If you’ve visited the dentist for a checkup and your dentist believes your teeth are healthy and strong, they may recommend that you visit for professional cleaning once every six months. Your dentist may also suggest a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that is difficult to reach with traditional teeth cleaning. This type of cleaning may not be recommended more than once every five years unless it has been deemed necessary due to the development of severe periodontal issues.

Visit Brighter Day Dental, 1950 Market Street, Suite D, Concord, CA 94520, to learn more about taking care of your oral health. Contact us at (925) 356-2828 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.