Why Den­tal Clean­ings are Impor­tant, Even if You Brush and Floss Daily

There are many reasons you might need to add regular dental cleanings to your routine. It’s not uncommon for people to miss areas of their teeth when brushing, and forgetting to floss can allow bacteria and plaque to build up between the teeth. Once this hardens into calculus deposits, it’s very difficult to remove with brushing alone.

This is where dental hygienist cleanings are helpful for maintaining good oral health. Even just one visit per year can make a significant difference to the cleanliness of your mouth. Read on to learn more about what is involved with a dental cleaning and why you should consider adding this to your routine.

What is dental cleaning?

If you have ever had any traces of gum disease, your dentist may have recommended a visit to the dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is a dental professional who specialises in hygiene treatments. The primary form of hygiene treatment is the hygienist cleaning, which is sometimes known as a scale and polish.

During a scale and polish, the hygienist uses special tools to clean the surface of the teeth and between the teeth. This helps to remove all traces of plaque, tartar, calculus, bacteria and surface staining.

This allows you to have a “fresh start” with your teeth, which will make it easier for you to care for your teeth at home. Think of this like a spring cleaning for your mouth. You might clean your home every week, but once a year it’s a good idea to carry out a deep clean to help you keep on top of things.

How does a hygienist cleaning help?

There are a number of benefits to dental hygienist cleanings, including:

• Brighter and whiter smiles. By removing surface stains, your teeth will look brighter and whiter, even without a whitening treatment. This can help to boost your confidence when you smile.

• Prevents gum disease. Plaque buildup can lead to inflammation of the gums, which can leave them red and tender. As this condition advances, it can cause your gums to recede, which can lead to tooth loss. Regular hygienist cleanings can prevent gum disease and protect your teeth.

• Freshen your breath. By removing all traces of bacteria and plaque from your mouth, you’ll have an easier time caring for your teeth at home. This will leave you with fresher breath, which can make you feel more confident.

• Personalised advice. If you’re missing areas of your mouth when you brush or floss, your hygienist will be able to see this and will be able to offer advice on how to fix it. Personalised advice on the best tools to brush your teeth can help you to avoid wasting money on things that won’t work for you.

• Improve your confidence at the dentist. If you have a phobia of the dentist, visiting a hygienist can help you to overcome this. The dental hygienist appointment can be a lot less intimidating than a dental visit as there are no scary tools involved. This can help you to build your confidence while also caring for your oral health.

• Tackle sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, a cleaning and then fluoride treatment can help to remineralise the teeth and prevent sensitivity. The hygienist can also advise on the best methods for preventing sensitivity in the future.

What happens at an appointment?

Your dental hygiene appointment will be personalised to your needs. For some patients, it’s all about getting them back in the chair and feeling confident so they can tackle their phobias. For others, it’s about regular cleanings to help address active gum disease.

Your dental hygienist will start with a thorough examination to determine what needs to be addressed. This could include Airflow polishing, personalised advice and support, or recommendations on how to care for your teeth at home. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions about your oral health and cosmetic procedures you might be considering.