Keeping Those Whites Pearly!
Daily brushing and flossing are important to your dental health, but would you know that a cavity was brewing if you didn’t have pain? Would you necessarily know for sure that you have signs of gum disease that need further treatment? Most people probably wouldn’t, so this is why routine dental examinations and cleanings are so important to your dental health!
If you can’t remember when your last dental cleaning was, and your teeth are looking less than their pearly white best, you need to call to schedule an appointment!
Your Teeth Need Regular “Deep” Cleaning
You’re careful to brush and floss daily and you always brush after eating anything sweet. What can a routine cleaning do that you can’t do given your thorough daily hygiene routine?
Well, for one thing, the dental hygienist begins your cleaning by carefully scraping hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth using a small metal tool. You cannot accomplish this by brushing and flossing on your own. But this is only the first step.
Next, the hygienist uses a lightly abrasive polishing compound to deep clean your teeth and remove surface stains. Now your smile is really starting to brighten!
The hygienist then flosses your teeth to make sure all plaque buildup has been removed; this helps to prevent tooth decay. And finally, the hygienist might apply fluoride to help protect teeth from tooth decay, particularly if tooth decay and cavities are a regular problem for you. Routine cleanings are generally not painful and usually only take about 30 minutes.
Been Awhile?
Even if you think you’re doing a stellar job in caring for your teeth, you still need regular professional cleanings performed by a licensed hygienist. Remember… it’s what you don’t see that can hurt you!