Why Are Teeth Cleanings So Important?

Did you know that approximately 70% of Canadians will develop gum disease at some point in their lives?

Gum disease develops when a sticky residue called plaque hardens into tartar and builds up around your teeth, triggering a bacterial infection that irritates your gums. Left untreated, gum disease can cause serious inflammation, receding gums, and eventual tooth loss as the bones and gum tissue deteriorate.

Gum disease is serious, but it’s also completely preventable with proper oral hygiene. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth at home, regular teeth or dental cleanings at your Calgary family dental clinic are an important strategy to minimize buildup of plaque and tartar, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

What are the benefits of dental cleanings?

Seeing your dental hygienist for a professional teeth cleaning has many benefits, including:

1. Reviewing proper oral hygiene practices: Are you brushing or flossing the right way? A dental checkup or teeth cleaning is an excellent opportunity to check with your Dental Hygienist. They are happy to tell you how to best take care of your teeth at home and to teach you about any ways to improve in your cleaning technique.
2. Preventing or minimizing gum disease: Teeth cleanings are especially important for preventing or minimizing gum disease. Your dental hygienist can perform a deep cleaning to remove stubborn plaque and keep the gum disease from progressing.
3. Reducing persistent bad breath: A thorough cleaning will remove the plaque and bacteria that can cause bad breath, restoring a healthy, lasting fresh breath in your mouth.
4. Preventing cavities: Similar to gum disease, cavities form when plaque and harmful bacteria accumulate around your teeth. Regular cleanings can help keep the bacterial infection at bay, preventing cavities before they start.
5. Brightening your teeth: Are your teeth noticeably discoloured from coffee, wine, or tea? A professional dental cleaning can help lift stubborn teeth stains, thus leaving you with a brighter smile!

How often should you get tooth cleanings?

• For patients without gum disease ‐ once every six months.
• For patients with gum disease ‐ once every three months.

These appointments will ensure that your dental hygienist can perform deep cleaning, such as scaling or root planing, in all affected sections of your mouth.

What is the process for teeth cleanings?

During a teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist will use a special tool to gently scrap off the plaque and tartar that have formed above and below the gum line around each tooth.

Your dental hygienist will also insert a small probe under the gum line to measure the depth of any pockets that may have developed between your teeth and your gums—a key indicator of gum disease.

In cases of significant tartar build‐up, your dental hygienist may perform deep cleaning, including scaling or root planing to remove the tartar that has accumulated more deeply below the gums.

Once your teeth cleaning is complete, your dental hygienist will review the way you’re brushing and flossing at home, offering tips on how to improve your technique to keep your teeth and gums clean.

All of this information helps you gain a better understanding of your current oral health and learn best practices to keep your teeth and gums in great shape.

Let us help you keep your gums and teeth in excellent health. Book your next cleaning at our NE Calgary Family Dental Clinic. Contact us online or by phone at 403.248.2066.