A bright, healthy smile is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it's a cornerstone of your overall well-being. While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, they aren't always enough to remove all the plaque and tartar that can accumulate over time. This is where professional teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and polishing, plays a vital role in maintaining optimal oral health.  

Why is Professional Teeth Cleaning So Important?

Think of your teeth as intricate surfaces with tiny grooves and hard-to-reach areas. Over time, bacteria in your mouth mix with food particles to form a sticky film called plaque. If plaque isn't removed regularly, it hardens into tartar (calculus), a tough deposit that firmly adheres to your teeth, both above and below the gum line.  

Here's why professional teeth cleaning is indispensable:

• Effective Tartar Removal: Unlike plaque, tartar is too stubborn to be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Dental professionals have specialized instruments to safely and effectively scrape away these hardened deposits.  

• Plaque Removal in Hidden Areas: Even with diligent home care, it's challenging to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of your mouth. Dental hygienists are trained to target plaque and bacteria in areas you might miss, such as along the gum line and between teeth.  

• Prevention of Gum Disease: Tartar buildup is a major culprit in the development of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe infection that can damage the soft tissues and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. Regular cleaning helps prevent this progression.  

• Stain Removal: Professional cleaning can effectively remove surface stains caused by food, drinks (like coffee and tea), and tobacco, resulting in a brighter, more confident smile.  

• Early Detection of Oral Health Issues: During a teeth cleaning appointment, your dental hygienist or dentist can identify early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Early detection allows for timely intervention and can prevent more complex and costly treatments down the line.  

• Fresher Breath: By removing bacteria and food debris, professional cleaning contributes significantly to fresher breath and helps combat halitosis (bad breath).  

What to Expect During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment:

A typical teeth cleaning appointment usually involves the following steps:

1. Physical Examination: Your dental hygienist will start by visually examining your teeth and gums.  

2. Scaling: Using specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, the hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. You might feel some scraping or vibrations during this process.  

3. Polishing: After scaling, your teeth will be polished using a high-speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup and a slightly abrasive paste. This smooths the tooth surfaces, making it harder for plaque to adhere and leaving your teeth feeling clean and shiny.  

4. Flossing: The hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris and ensure these areas are clean.  

5. Rinsing: You'll be asked to rinse your mouth with water or a medicated rinse to remove any remaining paste or debris.

6. Fluoride Treatment (Optional): In some cases, your dentist or hygienist may recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel and protect against cavities. This can be in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish.  

7. Oral Hygiene Instructions: Finally, you'll receive personalized advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques and other oral hygiene practices to maintain your clean and healthy smile at home.

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

The general recommendation for most individuals is to have their teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings depending on your individual oral health needs, such as if you have gum disease or are prone to rapid plaque and tartar buildup.  

Investing in your oral health through regular professional teeth cleaning is an investment in your overall well-being. Don't underestimate the power of a clean and healthy smile!

For comprehensive and gentle teeth cleaning services, visit Dr. Rosas Dental Clinic at any of their convenient branches:

• BAMC, Taculing, Bacolod City

• Sum-ag, Bacolod City

• Jaro, Iloilo City