Physicians and dentists occupy different spaces within our approach to healthcare. We only see a physician when we’re sick.

But seeing a dentist becomes a regular way to prevent problems from starting.

According to the World Dental Federation, people spend $110 billion on oral healthcare every year in the United States.

Having a check up makes sense. But you may be wondering why dental cleaning is important. What is it for? How often should you have it done – and why?

Read on to find out.

What Does Dental Cleaning Involve?

This usually happens at the same time as your dental exam. Once the dentist has checked your teeth and gums, they move onto tooth cleaning.

The dentist uses a tartar removal tool to clean your teeth. Here, they remove the build up of plaque and tartar from your teeth.

This process is often called ‘scaling’. We sometimes use an ultrasonic tool for better cleaning results – and it’s more comfortable for you.

Once that’s finished, the dentist polishes your teeth with a special paste to buff away any surface stains.

That’s it! It only takes a few minutes to perform.

Why Are These Procedures Important?

Even if you clean your teeth well, plaque still builds up between visits. If you don’t remove the plaque with brushing, it turns into tartar, that hard layer which brushing can’t remove.

Bacteria can multiply and spread on this surface. If left untreated, this causes tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these are preventable conditions.

If you don’t tackle either of these, you can end up with tooth loss. Research also shows a link between gum disease and heart disease. A study showed people with gum disease were 20 percent more likely to develop heart disease.

On a more positive note, dental cleaning gives you a brighter smile and more confidence. It also helps to stop larger problems from building up. It’s always much easier to prevent a health issue than it is to cure one.

How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?

As long as you keep up a good dental hygiene regime at home, you only need dental cleaning twice a year.

Make sure you create that strong regime though. Brush twice a day and use floss to reach the spaces between the teeth. Mouthwash can also help to keep bacteria at bay.

If you don’t clean your teeth well, or you’re prone to gum disease, your dentist may recommend more regular scaling visits.

The best way is to work with your dentist to create your regime and then stick to it.

Get the Confidence to Smile

Now you know why dental cleaning is so important for your overall health. It removes that build up of bacteria that can cause issues like tooth decay and tooth loss. That’s a great result for such a painless and quick procedure.

But it’s also a great way to get sparkly, clean teeth. You’ll love smiling at people again and you can enjoy a confidence boost.

Why not schedule an appointment for your next dental cleaning? Contact us today.