The Importance of Regular Dental Cleaning

Oral health is something that holds a lot of importance in our lives. It directly affects our overall health and plays a significant role in our day-to-day lives. Healthcare professionals say that the mouth is the gateway to the body's nutrition. So, do you take oral hygiene seriously and ensure that you maintain them regularly? How often do you visit your dentist for dental consultations? Here's a quick read about the importance of optimum oral hygiene.

Plaque and tartar

Do you have dull teeth that have turned yellow or slightly brown over time? This could be due to the accumulation of a thin layer of plaque over them. Dental plaque is composed of microbes that tend to get accumulated on the teeth over a long period. It has to be removed by a dentist regularly, which, if not carried out, would lead to the formation of tartar.

Tartar is far more invasive when compared to plaque. The microbes in tartar release harmful acids that can upset one's oral health to a massive extent as it can erode the enamel and cause gum diseases. Tartar is known to be the primary cause of cavities, periodontitis, and several other dental conditions. This is why dentists give so much importance to undergo deep cleaning.

How is a deep cleaning performed?

The process consists of two distinct procedures, namely scaling and root planing. Scaling involves the use of a hand-held ultrasonic scaling device. It has a metal tip that vibrates at certain frequencies, thereby allowing the dentist to dislodge the hard-to-remove tartar deposits that would have adhered to the surface of the teeth. The scaling tip is coupled with a jet of water so that the debris is washed away.

Root planing is a more in-depth cleaning procedure as it is used to clean and disinfect the root surface. Unlike scaling, root planning is carried out using a hook-like tip. The tip is inserted between the gums and tooth roots, where deposited tartar and other debris will be scraped off. Since the process could be painful, the dentist may administer local anesthesia to numb the tissues. In case the root surface is uneven, it will be smoothed out to avoid the accumulation of microbes on the minute surfaces. This ensures healthier gums and provides relief from gum diseases.

Optimum oral care at home

Along with regular deep cleaning by a professional dentist, you should brush and floss your teeth at least twice every day, without fail. It drastically lowers the chances of developing cavities and keeps bad breath away as well. Your diet also influences your oral health to a certain extent. Excessive consumption of sugary foods increases the chances of developing cavities. Also, teeth could discolor pretty quickly and ruin the appearance of your smile. We advise keeping the consumption of sugary or colored foods to a minimum.

Call us at (801) 542-0998 or schedule an online appointment with our best dentists for a consultation at our office in Herriman, UT.