Many people who visit the orthodontist feel as though the only reason they’re going is so that can get their teeth cleaned. While the teeth cleaning will most likely take up most of any casual dental appointment, a cleaning should not be underappreciated. Brushing, flossing, and fluoride rinses can only do so much for your teeth –and let’s be serious, do we perform the dental trifecta on a daily basis? So, before you question the significance of a teeth cleaning you need to understand why it’s important.
The two most important reasons that we get our teeth cleaned are to prevent tooth loss and to prevent ailments such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. The mouth has a funny way of affecting our entire bodies and if we don’t pay close attention to our munchers we might just end up biting ourselves.
We may think of our mouths as indestructible, but like with any machinery, everyday use will wear on its invincibility. The purpose of a tooth cleaning is to remove the plaque and tartar that the bristles on our toothbrush can’t get out. If plaque builds up unchecked for too long a time, gums disease may develop. Our mouths are rife with bacteria that love latching on to tartar and plaque. It’s our job to both brush away bacteria and dislodge safe havens of plaque and tartar with a teeth cleaning.
Teeth cleanings are carried out by dental hygienists. They use a range of tools to remove tartar and plaque from in between your teeth. A teeth cleaning is typically the most unenjoyable part of a dental experience, it should not involve pain. Do not panic if you see a little blood during a teeth cleaning, it’s to be expected.
If you have any questions regarding a teeth cleaning or any other part of your dental appointment feel free to ask the best orthodontists in the San Diego area at The Super Dentists.
