When it comes to taking care of your teeth, brushing and flossing are undoubtedly important. However, professional teeth cleaning is a crucial part of the equation that many people overlook. While your daily oral hygiene routine helps maintain your dental health, it can only do so much. Professional cleanings performed by your dentist or dental hygienist go much deeper, cleaning those hard-to-reach areas and protecting your smile from serious issues like gum disease and cavities.
At Balanced Dental, we’re committed to helping you keep your teeth and gums in great shape with thorough, gentle cleanings that leave your mouth feeling fresh and healthy. So, let’s explore why professional cleanings are so essential for your oral health and what you can expect when you visit us.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
Even if you’re religious about brushing twice a day and flossing, it’s still nearly impossible to remove every bit of plaque and food debris from your teeth, especially in those tricky areas between your teeth and along the gumline. Over time, this can lead to the formation of plaque and tartar (also known as calculus), which can cause serious dental issues if left untreated.
Here’s how professional cleanings can benefit your smile:
- Prevention of Gum Disease: One of the primary reasons for regular dental cleanings is to prevent gum disease. Plaque and tartar that build up around your gums can cause inflammation, leading to gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. If it’s not treated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a much more severe condition that can result in tooth loss. Regular cleanings help to remove this buildup and keep your gums healthy.
- Protection Against Tooth Decay: Cleanings remove plaque and tartar that contribute to cavities. When plaque isn’t thoroughly removed, it can turn into acid that erodes your tooth enamel and leads to decay. A professional cleaning ensures that these harmful substances are cleared away, lowering your risk of cavities.
- Early Detection of Problems: During your cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will carefully examine your mouth for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer. Detecting these problems early means they can be treated before they develop into more serious (and costly) issues.
- Brightening Your Smile: Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored from drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. A professional cleaning can remove surface stains and restore some of your teeth’s natural brightness, giving you a more polished, radiant smile.
- Fresher Breath: Consistent cleanings can help combat bad breath by removing the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that often cause it. If you struggle with persistent bad breath, regular cleanings are a great step toward keeping your mouth fresher for longer.
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning?
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, you may be wondering what’s involved in the process. A professional dental cleaning is straightforward and usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Balanced Dental:
- Initial Examination: Your dental hygienist will begin by examining your teeth and gums to check for any potential issues, such as cavities, gum inflammation, or signs of oral cancer. If they spot anything that needs further attention, they may take X-rays or consult the dentist for a more in-depth examination.
- Scaling: The next step is scaling, where the hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, especially around the gumline and between teeth. This is one of the most important parts of the cleaning process, as it targets the areas that your toothbrush can’t easily reach.
- Polishing: Once your teeth are tartar-free, your hygienist will polish them using a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste. This helps smooth the surface of your teeth and removes any lingering plaque or surface stains, leaving your teeth feeling incredibly smooth and clean.
- Flossing: After polishing, your hygienist will thoroughly floss between your teeth to ensure that any remaining debris is removed. Even if you’re diligent about flossing at home, this professional flossing step provides a more comprehensive cleaning.
- Fluoride Treatment (Optional): For patients who are prone to cavities, a fluoride treatment can be an added layer of protection. Fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Your dentist may recommend this treatment at the end of your cleaning session.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
The American Dental Association recommends that most people get their teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, or every six months. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings. For example, if you have a history of gum disease or are prone to tartar buildup, it may be beneficial to come in every three to four months.
It’s important to stick to your dentist’s recommended schedule to prevent plaque and tartar from building up. Regular professional cleanings, combined with good home care, are your best defense against oral health problems.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Did you know that the health of your mouth is closely linked to your overall health? Research has shown that gum disease and other oral health issues can contribute to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to respiratory infections and complications during pregnancy.
By keeping your teeth and gums healthy with regular cleanings, you’re not just protecting your smile—you’re also safeguarding your overall well-being. At Balanced Dental, we’re dedicated to providing you with the care you need to maintain both a healthy mouth and a healthy body.
Schedule Your Professional Cleaning at Balanced Dental
Taking the time for regular dental cleanings is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your teeth, gums, and overall health. At Balanced Dental, we offer professional cleanings that leave your mouth feeling refreshed, and we’re always happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health.
Our friendly and experienced team is ready to help you maintain a bright, healthy smile. With three convenient locations, we make it easy for you to prioritize your dental care:
- Balanced Dental
132 Walnut Ave., Grand Junction, CO
Ph: 970-242-0288 - Monumental Dental – Grand Junction
102 Lorey Dr., Grand Junction, CO
Ph: 970-242-4945 - Monumental Dental – Montrose
25 S. Lot Ave., Montrose, CO
Ph: 970-249-9096
Whether it’s been six months or longer since your last cleaning, we’re here to get your oral health back on track. Call one of our offices today to schedule your professional cleaning, and experience the difference that personalized dental care can make!
At Balanced Dental, we look forward to helping you achieve a cleaner, healthier smile that you can feel confident about. We’re committed to providing high-quality dental care that puts your comfort and well-being first. Let’s work together to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best!
