How often should you get a professional teeth cleaning?

Dental hygiene is foundational for keeping your smile healthy. When teeth and gums are neglected, it can negatively influence your oral and overall health.

Individuals who practice poor dental hygiene are at a greater risk of developing cavities, infection, and health complications. Eventually, your teeth may require costly restorative dental procedures, and in some cases, you may experience tooth loss. By simply brushing your teeth daily, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly, you can help keep your pearly whites healthy and strong.

Good oral health affects your whole self

Taking good care of your teeth not only helps the aesthetics of your smile, but serves as a preventative measure against serious health issues. Studies have proven that the health of your mouth and body are interconnected. When plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth, this can lead to early gum disease, or Gingivitis, causing bad breath or bleeding, red, tender or swollen gums. Untreated gum disease can lead to more serious systemic issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. By visiting the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning, you have a greater chance of maintaining a healthy mouth and body.

Dr. Michael Rosenhek and Dr. Kris Marshall, along with the rest of our team at Silverwood Dental in Saskatoon place great importance on dental hygiene and regular teeth cleanings. Read on to learn more about the importance of good dental hygiene.

Why regular professional cleanings are encouraged

In addition to following good oral hygiene habits at home, patients are encouraged to undergo professional teeth cleanings every three to six months. Keep in mind, however, that everyone’s dental hygiene needs are unique – we will recommend a hygiene plan specific to your individual needs. While daily brushing and flossing are vital to the longevity of your smile, only a professional teeth cleaning can eliminate hard-to-remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line.

What to expect at your dental hygiene visit

On the day of your appointment, the hygienist may take a dental x-ray before your cleaning – at Silverwood Dental, we only use digital x-rays, which omit less radiation and produce less waste than the film option.

Using specialized dental instruments, your hygienist will begin carefully removing plaque build-up from the surface of each tooth, along the gum line, and between teeth. A professional strength toothbrush and abrasive paste will be used to polish teeth and remove any excess plaque. The hygienist will also be able to identify poor brushing techniques and educate you on ways you can improve your at-home dental hygiene regimen. Common brushing mistakes can result in gum recession, enamel erosion, and neglected tooth areas. If your hygienist notices any of these issues, he or she will recommend the necessary adjustments.

Your hygienist will then floss your teeth, and may have you rinse with fluoride treatment to help strengthen and protect your enamel. Fluoride, a natural occurring mineral found in some municipal water supplies and certain foods, can also be applied to teeth to strengthen enamel. The fluoride acts as a shield against tooth decay and bacteria. Although beneficial for both children and adults, fluoride treatment is strongly recommended for young children, when teeth are in their crucial developmental stages.

If you have scheduled a dental exam after your cleaning, the dentist will examine your teeth and review the x-rays to identify any problem areas. Catching tooth decay in its earliest stages can prevent you from requiring complex dental work down the line. If a cavity or damaged tooth is located, Dr. Rosenhek or Dr. Marshall can perform a restorative treatment, such as a filling or dental crown.

Dental hygiene tips

In between visits to the clinic, it’s imperative that you place a priority on dental hygiene to help maintain good oral health. Some basic dental hygiene tips include:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a circular motion.
• Use proper brushing techniques – avoid brushing too aggressively as this can cause gums to recede.
• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush in a circular motion (rather than side-to-side).
• Invest in a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. While it may seem like the harder the bristles, the cleaner the teeth, hard bristles can irritate your gums and weaken enamel.
• An electric toothbrush maintains a constant circular motion, so you can maintain proper technique and avoid brushing side-to-side.
• Floss daily. There are a variety of flossing options available for patients such as floss sticks and waxed or unwaxed floss tape. Choose the method that’s right for you and your family.
• Rinse with an approved antibacterial mouthwash, especially if you struggle with enamel demineralization, or the beginning stages of gum disease.
• Attend your regular dental appointments as scheduled.

Schedule a teeth cleaning at our Saskatoon family dental clinic

At Silverwood Dental, we are committed to educating our patients about the importance of good oral hygiene to maintain a healthy mouth. If you are looking for a dental cleaning in the Saskatoon area, give us a call by dialing (306) 242-5233.