Benefits of Regular General Dentistry Dental Cleanings

Going to the general dentistry office may not excite you, but you can reap the benefits. Putting off dental appointments can disrupt good oral health habits and lead to serious problems. The next time you come to see your dentist, you will have a dental cleaning. This is much more than a formality. General dentistry dental cleanings help to prevent severe issues.

Frequency and reasons to come to a general dentistry office

Some parents do not take children to the dentist until kids are getting ready to enter school or have a mouthful of teeth. The right strategy, however, is to start dental care when the child gets the first teeth. From this point, patients should visit the dentist for cleanings every six months. In between these visits, patients should make appointments for restorative care and to address emergency conditions. Patients should never hesitate to call the dentist with questions or concerns.

A thorough cleaning

A regular six-month wellness checkup at the general dentistry office is critical for a person’s health. A significant part of this appointment is the dental cleaning. Some people may think their twice-a-day brushing habits are enough to keep teeth healthy and strong. While this does help, a professional cleaning can be more thorough. The hygienist will use tools to reach every part of every tooth. These cleanings can reach areas of the mouth that patients often miss by themselves.

A good reminder

No one wants to go to the dentist only to find out they are doing a poor job of caring for their teeth. At a cleaning appointment, the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth and look for concerning areas. The hygienist may instruct the patient on how to brush more effectively. Patients usually brush more often if they are going to get a general dentistry cleaning soon. A dental cleaning is a good way to keep up with good oral hygiene habits.

Cavity prevention

The teeth cleaning at a general dentistry office will remove plaque and tartar buildup. These are two of the biggest culprits of tooth decay. Both can eat away at tooth enamel and rot teeth. Removing plaque is difficult without intervention from a dental professional.

Cardiovascular benefits

It may surprise patients to learn that good oral health and heart health go hand in hand. Excess bacteria on the teeth and gums can find their way into the bloodstream. This can result in high blood pressure and, eventually, a heart attack or stroke. A dental cleaning will remove these bacteria, lowering the patient’s risk of infection and other health challenges.

Aftercare for dental cleaning

Good oral care habits are important in maintaining one’s dental health. Regular general dentistry checks always happen with professional dental cleanings. This can help treat and prevent dental issues. Making the results of an office dental cleaning last is important. Here are some ways to do this:

• Stay away from hot drinks and foods. Do this for four hours after a dental cleaning. The heat can dissolve the fluoride before it sets. It can also be uncomfortable for sensitive teeth and still tender gums. It is better to wait before consuming these foods and drinks.
• Wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Doing so can melt away the fluoride before it binds with the minerals of the teeth.
• Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush before bed. Skipping toothbrushing at night may be tempting, but this can encourage plaque to build up faster. Even if the teeth are sensitive, cleaning them is still important before bed.
• Eat with care. After 30 minutes to an hour, eating can resume. Be careful about food choices. Eating anything is not ideal at this time. Avoid crunchy, sticky, and spicy foods. Acidic foods are also not ideal right after a dental cleaning. The patient can eat hard-boiled eggs, soups, and other soft foods.
• Stay hydrated. In doing so, keep sugary drinks off the list for a while. This can worsen dental sensitivity. Sipping water is preferable. This liquid is colorless and flavorless. It cannot dissolve the fluoride layer on the teeth.

More critical than you may realize

It should be clear now why going to the general dentistry office near you is so important. Make sure you get teeth cleaning every six months. Removing buildup and bacteria will strengthen your teeth and gums. This process also has far-reaching health benefits now and in the future. If it has been a while since your last appointment, call your dentist today and schedule a visit.

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