There is a comparison often made between the value of regular oil changes and teeth cleanings. Both help prevent major repairs and hefty bills by keeping the specific machine running smoothly. Sometimes oil changes may appear even more beneficial than a trip to the dentist – but we’re here to assure you that keeping your mouth clean has lasting health and dental benefits.
Teeth Cleanings Control Plaque and Bacteria
Dirty teeth really can cause problems for surrounding gum tissue and enamel. It’s not just the food debris, trapped between teeth, but the levels of plaque that are left to build on tooth surfaces. Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth, making them appear yellowish in color. The problem with plaque is that it contains bacteria that feed on remnants of carbohydrates in the mouth – releasing toxins that not only irritate gum tissue but weaken tooth structure enabling dental decay to form. Without effective homecare and regular trips to the dentist to remove plaque deposits a mouth soon becomes an inflamed and decaying mess – that is prone to bad breath and infections and leads to inflammation throughout the body.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge encourage patients to maintain regular exams and cleanings to prevent more serious dental health issues. During a dental cleaning, deposits of plaque and calculus (hard deposit of bacteria) are removed from tooth surfaces and from below the gum line. Plaque can get trapped between teeth, at the back of molars and under gum tissue – enabling bacteria to hide-out in hard to reach places. But during a dental cleaning the hygienist uses tools designed specifically to access these hard to reach areas – so food debris, plaque and calculus are effectively removed. Even the most diligent of brushers and flossers can’t remove every trace of plaque and bacteria as the size of a toothbrush head can mean some areas of the mouth get overlooked. And for those who have to deal with crooked teeth that are even harder to keep clean due to the tricky angles of certain teeth – seeing a hygienist regularly will help keep your teeth and gum tissue in good shape.
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