You’ve probably heard over the years that your body is very interconnected and this is very true of your mouth and your body. Bacteria that hangout in one area of your body rarely stay put in that one area. With a circulatory system, lymphatic system, and digestive system that span from one area of the body to another, it’s easy to see how bacteria and other microbes make their way throughout your body.
In dentistry, we often think of your mouth as the gateway to your overall health. Your mouth, after all is the beginning of so many functions that happen in your body. Let’s take a close look at why dental cleanings are important!
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
Dental cleanings are important for keeping your teeth looking their best, but that’s not all. All these things are done and diagnosed at your routine dental cleanings:
- Bacteria is disrupted and removed. The problem with bacteria is that when it is present for too long it can lead to problems with decay and also gum disease. Dental cleanings help to disrupt and remove bacteria from even the hardest-to-reach areas. Removing this bacteria is important because it helps keep dental problems from developing. Once bacteria like gum disease have taken root in your mouth, they can spread to other areas of your body with time.
- Tartar buildup is removed. Tartar buildup can harbor lots of bacteria and it is also impossible for you to remove because it has been mineralized on to your teeth. Your dental hygienist removes this stubborn buildup so that your breath stays fresh and your teeth stay white!
- Patient education keeps you up to date on all the latest news and products that are advantageous to your dental health. Struggling with brushing or flossing? Our dental hygienist can help provide you with the best brushing and flossing tips!
- Monitor your tooth health with dental X-rays. Usually, once a year, we recommend that you have x-rays taken of your teeth. This will help to make sure you don’t have any cavities starting in the difficult-to-see areas like in between your teeth.
How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?
Typically, we recommend that most of our dental patients have their teeth cleaned every 6 months. However, this number can vary on a case-by-case basis. If you struggle with gum disease or heavy tartar buildup, 3-month cleanings may be beneficial to your dental health.
What Is Laser Dental Cleaning?
Dental lasers can be used for dental cleanings as they generate light energy to break up tartar and plaque build-up. Lasers are typically more gentle on your teeth and gum tissue than traditional dental tools, thus they can be a great option for deep cleanings.
The benefit of having a laser do your deep cleaning is that you will likely notice reduced bleeding and inflammation. You will also likely notice a quicker recovery and faster healing than with traditional deep cleanings with dental instruments.
What Is Airflow Dental Cleaning?
Airflow dental cleaning is an alternative way of removing plaque from your teeth. Traditionally, a dental polisher and a dental paste is used to remove the plaque and biofilm layer from your teeth. On the other hand, an airflow polisher combines air, water, and a specialized powder into a misty spray that helps to dislodge biofilm from your teeth.
Airflow is beneficial for many reasons, could any of these be a benefit to you?
- Airflow is comfortable – the warm water helps to soothe your gum tissue while removing plaque
- Airflow is great in hard-to-reach areas and is a great solution to cleaning around braces or fillings
- Airflow is quick in removing plaque and can often reduce the time it takes to clean your teeth
Are Dental Cleanings Covered By Dental Insurance?
Most dental insurances offer some type of benefit toward dental cleanings. It is important to remember that dental insurance is a perk in that they may help with some of your dental needs. It is important to note that dental insurance won’t always cover all dental services.
When recommending dental treatment for you, our dentists recommend treatment that is best for you based on your specific needs. The treatment that is recommended may or may not be covered by your insurance. We do not recommend letting your dental coverage dictate the treatment you receive as doing so may not be in the best interest of your dental health.
Is it time for a dental cleaning? Call our office and we can get your next cleaning scheduled!