Dental Cleanings are important, not only for looks, but for general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and dental cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth that build up over time.  These deposits are created by the calcium and other substances that continually bathe your teeth and help to strengthen them.  This is a good thing.  However, over time we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth.  This substance  will eventually build up like limescale.  Usually it is a whitish color that can be mistaken as a part of the tooth, but it can also be black or brown.

Allowing this build up to accumulate on teeth will unfortunaltely provide the right conditions for bacteria to thrive next to the gums.  This can lead to gingavitus which has been linked to heart attack and stroke. The purpose of the cleaning and polishing is basically to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them and you have a better chance of keeping the teeth and gum line clean during your regular home care. 

You should get your teeth cleaned every six months.

 There are many reasons to get your teeth cleaned every six months.  Dental cleaning is not only to look your best and to prevent cavities.

1.  To Prevent Oral Cancer
   According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.
    
2. To Prevent Gum Disease
   Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and check ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.
    
3. To Help Maintain Good Physical Health
   Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every 6 months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.
    
4. To Keep Your Teeth

   Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check ups and cleanings,brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health.

5. To Detect Dental Problems Early
   Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available.

6. To Maintain Good Oral Health
   Your dental hygienist will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by visual examination and comparing your previous dental check ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he / she will help put you back on the right path.

7. To Use Your Dental Insurance Plan
   Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and check ups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene.

8. To Create a Treatment Plan
   If your dentist diagnoses any problems in your mouth, he /she will most likely give you a treatment plan. This treatment plan should have the cost of each procedure that you will need, so that you can discuss financial arrangements with the front office.

9. To Have a Bright and White Smile
   Your dental hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, your hygienist will also polish your teeth to a beautiful shine. The result? A whiter and brighter smile!

10. To Prevent Bad Breath
    Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular check ups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.