The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning

When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned professionally? Like many Americans, you may clean your teeth at home and only visit a dentist when you have serious concerns about your oral health. Unfortunately, oral health problems tend to crop up when you don't see your dentist as regularly as you should. 

Teeth cleaning is one of the many standard procedures dentists carry out as part of preventative oral health care services. Your teeth will require this service because they accumulate plaque and tartar over time. If not removed, these bacteria-laden biofilms can affect your oral and overall health, potentially leading to problems that require long-term, expensive treatments.

Keep reading to learn why you should clean your teeth at the dentist.

Keeps Your Teeth Healthy 

Plaque is a soft, colorless film that sticks to your teeth and gums over time. While daily brushing and flossing help prevent bacteria-laden plaque from building up in your mouth, it does not remove all plaque.

Unremoved plaque turns into tartar if it sits on the teeth too long, increasing the risk of oral health problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Disease progression can occur until tooth removal becomes the only treatment option.

Regular in-office teeth cleaning helps you remove plaque that regular brushing and flossing alone can't eliminate. As a result, it significantly reduces the chance of oral disease.

Improves Your Overall Health

Your mouth is a vital part of your digestive system as it allows you to eat food and get nutrients from it. On the flip side, the mouth is a carrier of bacteria that can cause disease when it spreads to other areas of the body.

Your oral health is an indicator of your overall health, meaning that chronic general health issues can arise if you don't maintain good oral health. Professional teeth cleanings help to keep bacteria levels safe and acceptable, complementing your daily brushing and flossing and reducing the risk of other general health complications like endocarditis and pneumonia. 

Eliminates Bad Odor

If you do not brush and floss daily or effectively, some food debris will remain in your mouth and cause bad breath. Bad breath can hurt your confidence and self-esteem, making it difficult for you to speak with others. 

Getting your teeth cleaned by a professional will help you remove the odor-producing bacteria that lingers in your mouth when you do not clean your teeth and gums regularly or correctly. When your mouth is odor-free, you will not feel self-conscious when talking to others at work or in social settings.

Enhances Your Smile

While brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth clean, your teeth may not be as bright and white as you prefer. The plaque that builds up on your teeth can cause them to turn yellow or brown over time, affecting the appearance of your smile. 

The good news is that this type of discoloration can often be remedied with professional teeth cleaning services. Your dentist has the specialized tools and state-of-the-art equipment to effectively clean your teeth and gums, making your pearly whites sparkle.

Although getting your teeth cleaned regularly at the dentist requires sustained commitment, it can significantly improve your overall quality of life.

At Henderson Family Dentistry, we believe that everyone needs effective and compassionate dental care, regardless of age. We have highly trained and qualified staff and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the local community in Henderson, NC, gets comprehensive care when they come through our doors.

Contact us today to book your appointment or learn more about the services offered at our family practice, including cosmetic and restorative procedures.