Dental Hygiene Glossary: Teeth Cleaning

Dental Hygiene Tips

• Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and early detection of issues.
• Balanced Diet: Eat fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains to protect teeth.
• Avoid Tobacco: Quit smoking and using tobacco to lower your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. 

By following these tips, you can ensure good dental hygiene and better overall health.

The Importance Of Regular Teeth Cleanings

Regular teeth cleanings, or prophylaxis, ultimately play a pivotal role in maintaining your dental health and preventing a myriad of health issues potentially caused by poor oral hygiene. During these cleanings, dental professionals utilize specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar build-up, substances that regular brushing and flossing at home cannot fully eliminate. This process is crucial for several reasons:

• Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: The primary goal of regular teeth cleanings is to prevent the development of tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, if not removed, can harden into tartar, leading to cavities and gingivitis. 
• Early Detection of Dental Issues: Regular dentist visits for teeth cleanings allow dental professionals to detect early signs of problems such as cracked teeth, broken fillings, and others.
• Maintaining Overall Health: Research has shown a connection between oral and overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a variety of health issues outside of the mouth, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and even stroke.
• Halitosis Prevention: Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can often be traced back to poor oral hygiene. Regular dental cleanings help remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that contribute to bad breath, keeping your mouth fresh and odor-free.
• Brightening Your Smile: Routine dental cleanings also have a cosmetic benefit. Removing surface stains caused by food, drinks, or smoking during the cleaning process can significantly brighten and improve the appearance of your smile.

Incorporating prophylaxis into your oral hygiene routine with high-quality toothbrushes enhances your dental health and supports your overall well-being. It's a crucial step in safeguarding against preventable diseases and ensuring your smile remains healthy and vibrant for years.

Tips For Children's Dental Hygiene

• Start Early: Begin dental care before the first tooth appears, and start brushing with a small toothbrush and rice-sized toothpaste amount when the first tooth emerges.
• First Dental Visit: Schedule the first dental visit by the child's first birthday to detect early issues and familiarize the child with the dentist.
• Make It Fun: To make brushing enjoyable, let children choose their toothbrushes, use tasty toothpaste, and play music.
• Proper Technique: Supervise brushing and flossing until age six, covering all tooth surfaces with gentle circular motions and flossing between teeth.
• Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and encourage water consumption, especially fluoridated water, for better oral health.
• Regular Check-ups: Visit the dentist every six months for check-ups, cleanings, and guidance on dental care as the child grows.

Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for overall health and well-being. Brushing, flossing, such as with Plus Ultra Floss, and regular dental check-ups are not just for a healthy smile but also to prevent a range of health issues beyond oral health. Prioritizing dental care is prioritizing your overall well-being.

Gum Disease: Prevention And Treatment

Prevention

The key to preventing gum disease is maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, which includes:

• Regular Brushing and Flossing: Brush twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque.
• Use of Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Helps reduce bacteria that cause gum disease.
• Routine Dental Checkups: Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings are crucial to remove hard-to-reach tartar.

Treatment

Treatment options for gum disease depend on the stage of the disease and your health. They include:

• Deep Cleaning: Scrapes away tartar and smooths rough spots on the tooth root to remove bacteria.
• Medications: Prescription mouthwash, antibiotic gels, oral antibiotics, etc., may be used.
• Surgical Treatments: Flap surgery, bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, etc., for advanced cases.
• Advanced Gum Disease and Complex Cases: Periodontists may provide specialized care for difficult cases.
• Maintenance After Treatment: Regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and quitting smoking are important for preventing gum disease recurrence.

By practicing good oral hygiene and seeking timely treatment, you can effectively protect your gums, teeth, and overall health from the effects of gum disease.

Signs You Need To See A Dentist For A Cleaning

Recognizing early signs that indicate the need for dental cleaning is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Here are some key signs to look out for:

• Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, it may be a sign of gum disease. Regular cleanings can help reverse this condition.
• Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath could signal plaque and bacteria buildup, which can be addressed with a professional cleaning.
• Tartar Buildup: Visible as yellow or brown deposits on teeth or near the gumline, tartar requires professional cleaning as it cannot be removed with regular brushing.
• Gum Issues: Red, swollen, or tender gums may indicate gum disease, requiring professional attention.
• Changes In Teeth Alignment: Shifts in bite or spacing between teeth can trap debris, necessitating a professional cleaning.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity may be due to receding gums or enamel wear, which can be addressed during a cleaning.
• Long Time Since Last Visit: If it's been over six months since your last cleaning, it's time to schedule one to maintain oral health.
• Stains On Teeth: Surface stains from beverages or smoking can be removed with professional cleaning for a brighter smile.
• Gum Recession: Exposure to tooth roots due to gum recession increases the risk of decay. Professional cleanings can address buildup in exposed areas.

Taking prompt action by scheduling a dental cleaning upon noticing these signs can help maintain oral health and prevent more serious issues.

Read also:

• How To Choose The Right Philips Sonicare Toothbrush Head
• Bamboo Toothbrushes: A Fun Choice For Kids
• What To Do After Whitening Strips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on our teeth. It's the main cause of cavities and gum disease and can harden into tartar if not removed daily through brushing and flossing.

What is tartar?

Tartar, or calculus, is hardened plaque firmly attached to the tooth surface. Tartar forms below and above the gum line and can only be removed with professional dental instruments.

What is dental calculus?

Dental calculus is another term for tartar. It's the hardened form of plaque left on the teeth for a long time and has become calcified. Dental calculus requires professional cleaning to be removed.

How often should teeth be professionally cleaned?

It is recommended that teeth be professionally cleaned at least twice a year. However, individuals with a history of gum disease or other oral health issues may require more frequent cleanings.

What is dental prophylaxis?

Dental prophylaxis is a professional teeth cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. It is an essential part of dental hygiene that helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

What are scaling and root planning?

Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease. It involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing out rough spots on the tooth root (planing). This helps gums to reattach to the teeth and reduces pocket depth.

Can dental cleaning prevent gum disease?

Regular dental cleanings can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease by removing the plaque and tartar that contribute to its development. Early detection and treatment of gingivitis can prevent it from advancing to periodontal disease.

What are the signs of gingivitis?

Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease and can be reversed with professional treatment and good oral hygiene practices.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an advanced stage of gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It can lead to tooth loss if not treated. Symptoms include persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums.