Keep Your Smile Healthy with Regular Teeth Cleaning

Brushing and flossing daily at home is essential to good oral health care, but that’s only one part of the equation. Seeing your Plymouth dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning is also necessary to ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy and clean as they can be.

Why Are Professional Teeth Cleanings Important?

Typically conducted in tandem with dental exams, a teeth cleaning ensures that your teeth and gums are in good condition and free of problems. This bi-annual appointment is important for catching early signs of dental concerns, from cavities to dry mouth to gum disease.

The cleaning itself is thorough and meticulous. The inevitable build-up of plaque and tartar where enamel meets gums can only be removed by the hygienist’s tools. And, call us biased, but getting a tooth brushing from that gentle electric toothbrush your hygienist wields is quite satisfying.

It simply feels good to leave your Plymouth dentist office with a mouth full of clean teeth. You’ve got a fresh start every six months, and reinvigorated oral health. It’s never too late to take care of your smile.

The Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleaning

There are plenty of reasons it’s smart to keep up with your bi-annual teeth cleanings, but some of the benefits that may not be top of mind include the following:

• Dr. Shadi Krecht will see beyond the surface. While a teeth cleaning and x-rays offer a great deal of insight into the condition of your teeth and gums, building a relationship with your dentist will allow him to get to know your oral health and your overall well-being. He will quickly recognize even the smallest changes that have occurred, and which could be an indication of underlying issues that could cause problems in the future, like loose teeth or irritated areas. These potential afflictions are not limited to oral health. Inflammation and dry mouth, for example, could also be indications of cardiovascular problems or even diabetes.
• You just can’t achieve the same thorough teeth cleaning at home. A dental hygienist gets to the spots on your teeth that your toothbrush will never be able to reach. No matter how diligently you brush and floss – and, know this, your dentist and hygienist will notice when you are taking good care of your teeth, and probably praise you for it – a hygienist has the tools that are needed to thoroughly rid your teeth of plaque and tartar.
• Cosmetic dentistry is a go when you have healthy teeth. Many patients would rather bypass their oral health problems and depend on cosmetic dentistry instead to fix any unsightly smile issues. But without a healthy foundation in your mouth, you can’t go after the dental upgrades you want, like porcelain veneers. It’s far more fun to make the decision to get cosmetic dentistry and have that option be a go immediately – clean and healthy teeth and gums make that possible.
• You can avoid pricey repairs later. Some people only go to the dentist when something is wrong, but if you’ve reached this point with an issue like bleeding gums, loose teeth, or an abscessed tooth, you’re in the danger zone. Restorations and repairs will need to be completed before your smile can be rejuvenated. Seeing your Plymouth dentist regularly for exams and repairs means there should be a far reduced need for invasive repairs.

Know What to Expect at a Teeth Cleaning

If you have any anxiety about the dentist, know this: A teeth cleaning and exam is one of the most painless things you can do at the dentist. No anesthesia is necessary, there won’t be any intimidating tools being used. Just checking and scraping, and maybe a little bit of poking to check gum recession.

What you can be certain of is that your teeth cleaning will be thorough and your exam will be too. Quite often, an oral cancer screening is included with your bi-annual cleaning appointment.

These appointments are the ideal time to ask all the questions you have about oral health. If you have a concern about a tooth, point it out. Ask about discoloration, or stains that just don’t seem to budge. Discuss getting your fillings replaced with white fillings. Find out if sealants would benefit your oral health.

Preventive dental care isn’t always as simple as buying a brush and toothpaste. Your Plymouth dentist will provide recommendations about toothbrushes with the best type of bristles, the right toothpaste for your health needs, and make suggestions about any techniques – like the proper way to floss – that could benefit your teeth and gums.

Hygienists and dentists don’t take it for granted that every patient knows the right way to take care of their teeth – they are ready to help you at every turn. Improve your oral health starting now. Make an appointment with Dr. Shadi Krecht at his Plymouth, MI, dental office. Ask your questions, voice your concerns, and get on the road to healthy teeth and gums.