Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is essential to oral and overall health. Regular dental cleanings are necessary to maintain optimal oral health, even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home. Have you ever considered why your Narre Warren South dentist recommends two yearly dental cleanings? Keep reading to find out why these guidelines are so important.
What Happens at a Dental Cleaning?
When you visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning, you can expect the hygienist to:
- Take any necessary x-rays.
- Remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth and along your gumline.
- Use an electric toothbrush and professional toothpaste to polish your teeth.
- Floss your teeth and check for any signs of gum disease.
- Receive fluoride if your dentist recommends it.
- Talk to you about your dental hygiene habits and offer advice on improving your brushing and flossing technique at home.
Professional Tools and Techniques
During your hygiene appointment in Narre Warren, our hygienists use specialised instruments for a level of clean you can’t achieve with brushing and flossing alone:
- Scalers and curettes — These handheld tools carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially in hard-to-reach areas between teeth and below the gum line.
- Ultrasonic scalers — These devices use vibration and water spray to break up larger deposits of tartar more efficiently and comfortably
Your Dental Hygienist’s Role
A dental hygienist is a highly trained professional whose role goes beyond simply cleaning teeth:
- Check for early signs of oral health issues
- Note oral health changes that occur between visits
- Provide personalised education on at-home oral hygiene
- Recommend preventive fluoride or sealants when appropriate
- Work with the dentist to create a comprehensive care plan
Preventive Care to Maintain Your Oral Health
There are numerous benefits to visiting your Narre Warren dentist for a clean and polish every six months, including the following:
- Reduced risk of cavities – Because the hygienist can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, you are less likely to develop tooth decay.
- Reduced risk of gum disease – Regular dental cleanings keep plaque and tartar from building up between your teeth, causing gum disease.
- Bad breath prevention – Plaque and tartar can cause bad breath; by removing them from the surfaces of your teeth, you can enjoy fresher breath.
- Less chance of other health issues – Because of the oral-systemic connection, keeping your mouth clean can reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
- Fewer dental costs – Preventive dental care is a great way to stop dental issues before they start. This can save you from paying for costly dental treatments later on.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
Twice-yearly cleanings are standard for most patients, but needs vary. Your schedule might include more frequent visits depending on several factors:
- Gum disease history — Those with a history of periodontitis (advanced gum disease) often benefit from cleanings every three to four months
- Overall health conditions — Diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal changes can influence your cleaning schedule
- Medications — Some medications, such as antidepressants and decongestants, can cause dry mouth. Reduced saliva flow can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease and require more frequent visits to monitor.
- Smoking habits — Smokers often require more frequent professional cleanings
- Personal oral hygiene - Those with excellent home care might maintain health with less frequent visits, while others may need additional professional attention
Your dentist in Narre Warren will recommend a personalised schedule based on your unique oral health profile.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene Between Cleanings
Professional cleanings provide a crucial reset for your oral health, but what you do between appointments determines your long-term dental well-being:
- Brush thoroughly twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth where your brush can't reach
- Consider additional tools like interdental brushes, water flossers, or tongue scrapers based on your specific needs
- Maintain a tooth-friendly diet by limiting sugary foods and drinks
- Stay hydrated to support healthy saliva production, your mouth's natural defence system
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or when bristles become frayed
Signs You Need a Dental Cleaning
Even with a regular schedule, you should be aware of certain symptoms that might indicate you need to schedule a dental cleaning sooner:
- Visible tartar buildup along the gumline
- Persistent bad breath despite brushing and flossing
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Teeth feeling "fuzzy" or rough
- Unusual sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Gums that appear red or swollen
What to Expect After Your Dental Cleaning
After a professional dental cleaning in Narre Warren, you might experience:
- Slight tooth sensitivity for a day or two
- A smooth, clean feel when you run your tongue over your teeth
- Reduced bleeding when you brush and floss
- Fresher breath and a cleaner-feeling mouth
These sensations are normal and confirm that cleaning has reset your oral health, giving you a clean slate to maintain your at-home care routine.
Questions about Oral Health in Narre Warren South?
If you would like more information about maintaining your oral health with preventive dental care, we would be happy to assist you! You can call us on (03) 8790 2500 to ask questions or arrange an appointment.
At Ava Dental, we love to see you smile!