Dental cleaning is one of the most valuable tools in a dentist’s tool belt for keeping a patient’s overall dental health strong and resilient. In fact, most patients are recommended to come in for thorough professional teeth cleaning every six months in order to maintain optimal dental health.
One of the best things about dental cleaning is that, in most cases, it’s totally painless. Most patients will find that the entire process is quickly, efficiently, and painlessly performed.
Is Dental Cleaning Painful?
If you have a dental cleaning scheduled and are worried about whether or not it will be painful, take a look at this overview of why you shouldn’t worry so much about it.
What Occurs During a Dental Cleaning?
Almost everyone has had a dental cleaning at some point. During these cleaning processes, a dentist applies a number of dental tools to the teeth in order to remove harmful plaque and stains from them. This typically includes using a professional dental toothbrush, scraping away plaque, and applying fluoridated mouthwash.
How painful a dental cleaning is depends somewhat on the status of your teeth. For example, if you have a small cavity of some sort, a dentist may be forced to apply a drill to the teeth and put a filling or sealant in it. In addition, patients with high levels of tartar may find that they have to be scraped by their dentist for longer. This can result in tender gums and some bleeding.
If you don’t floss or brush enough, there’s a stronger chance overall that your dental cleaning will involve some discomfort. On the bright side, if you maintain good dental health, then there’s a very strong chance that you won’t experience any pain at all.
How Often Should I Go in For a Dental Cleaning?
There is no exact frequency that a patient should go in for dental cleanings. Much of the frequency of this depends on their exact dental health. However, the ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that patients go in for frequent cleanings. At least annually, it is recommended.
You can get a stronger picture of how often you personally should go in for checkups while you’re in one. Your dentist will likely give you a review and a date for when you should return for further cleaning.
People who are at high risk of gum disease and other oral health problems should go in for more frequent dental cleanings. Again, your dental professional should be able to advise you somewhat regarding your approach to this.
Reasons to Get a Dental Cleaning
There are many different reasons to get a professional dental cleaning. First and foremost is the fact that professional cleaning can remove much more plaque and other harmful substances from one’s teeth than just oral health practices. Some of the main reasons to go in for a professional dental cleaning include:
Preventing tooth loss:
The continual build-up of plaque under the gums can result in some serious dental problems, including gradual tooth loss. A good dental cleaning eliminates some of this plaque and prevents it from gathering too heavily.
Preventing cavities:
Teeth cleanings are also highly effective at preventing cavities from forming. Plaque eventually erodes the enamel surrounding teeth, which causes cavities to form.
Reducing bad breath:
Bacteria in the mouth is also the primary cause of bad breath. Reducing plaque and bad breath is one of the fastest ways to reduce bad breath.
Brighter smile:
Teeth cleanings eliminate excessive teeth staining and make a patient’s smile brighter and better. Aesthetic motivations are one of the most common reasons that individuals go in for a tooth cleaning.
Reduce the risk of heart disease:
There are some studies that indicate a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Receiving regular teeth cleanings helps to prevent gum disease and the subsequent risk of heart disease.
Reduce the risk of some types of cancer:
Severe gum disease can also be indicative of certain cancers, such as lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Reduce the risk of type 1 and 2 diabetes:
People with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing gum disease. The obverse is also true – those with gum disease have a higher chance of developing diabetes. Reducing the risk of one reduces the risk of the other.
Long Beach’s Source for Dental Cleanings
Innovative Smiles Long Beach is completely dedicated to bringing patients in Long Beach the best dental cleanings available. If you’re interested in scheduling a regular checkup with our dentist, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
