The Importance of Routine Professional Teeth Cleanings

Even if you have the most consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine, it can’t completely protect you against the buildup of dangerous bacteria and plaque in your mouth. If enough bacteria and plaque buildup are left unchecked, you put yourself at risk for all sorts of oral health issues. 

You can significantly reduce this risk by getting professional dental cleanings regularly. These cleanings focus on eliminating stubborn plaque and bacteria that you can’t remove on your own, preventing the development of tooth decay and gum disease. 

At Avalon Dental in San Ramon, California, Dr. Cliff Broschinsky and the rest of our general dentistry team want you to understand how important professional cleanings are for your oral health. 

So, we highlight all the ways these cleanings benefit your oral health in this month’s blog.

Professional cleanings prevent gum disease

Saliva and leftover food debris form a sticky film known as plaque. Cleaning your teeth removes the plaque, but if you don’t remove all of it, it can build up and harden into a substance called tartar. 

Once a layer of tartar has formed, you can’t remove it through brushing and flossing alone. 

As the plaque and tartar continue to build, they provide the perfect breeding ground for infectious bacteria. Eventually, you can develop gum disease, or periodontal disease. 

In its earliest stages, gum disease causes your gums to become inflamed, swollen, and tender. But if it becomes severe, it can wreak havoc on your gums and tooth structures, eventually leading to permanent tooth loss. 

Almost half of adults in the United States have gum disease. You can easily prevent it by seeing our team regularly. We can remove the layers of plaque and tartar with our medical-grade tools. 

Professional cleanings prevent cavities

Buildups of food and plaque inside your mouth not only put you at risk for gum disease but cavities as well.

Cavities are holes that form on the surface of your tooth due to erosion of the tooth’s hard outer layer (enamel). Consuming large amounts of sugary foods and drinks and not cleaning your teeth thoroughly enough can lead to a buildup of bacteria and plaque. 

These substances tend to be very acidic and start to erode your enamel, forming holes and cracks in your tooth’s surfaces. If the cavities continue to develop, you put yourself at risk for tooth infection.

Getting professional cleanings removes bacteria that can cause cavities. Our team can also spot small cavities early, so they don’t grow and give bacteria an entrance to the delicate inner tissues of your tooth. 

Professional cleanings provide tips for improved oral hygiene 

As our team cleans your teeth, we can spot any areas in your oral hygiene routine that might need some improvement. We can provide some practical tips on how to brush and floss more effectively and recommend any diet changes that can improve your oral health as well. 

If it’s been quite some time since your last dental cleaning, we encourage you to schedule your next appointment today by calling our office or booking online.