With all the various kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes available nowadays, it may seem redundant, not to mention unnecessary, to go to the dentist and have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist. Even whitening your teeth can be done with toothpaste and over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. So why bother to incur the expense and spend time in the dental office when you can take care of it yourself? Because you really cannot.
The Professional Deep Clean
You take your car to a car wash, and the superficial dirt is cleaned off. Your car looks great, but there is still a lot of dirt in places that may not be so noticeable. For a really clean car, you take it to get detailed. It is the same with your teeth. Proper brushing and flossing are certainly step one in good oral hygiene. Even with that, there can be areas that you are habitually missing because they are hard to reach.
When you get your teeth cleaned professionally, the hygienist will clean areas of your teeth that the toothbrush and floss miss. Plaque buildup and tartar accumulations are not thoroughly addressed with normal day-to-day cleaning. Special tools are needed to remove the tartar from your teeth. Some individuals may have small deposits, while others may notice the base of their teeth is coated with it.
Preventing Gum Disease
The hard buildup of tartar on the teeth along with plaque accumulations is the gateway to gum disease. As the tartar continues to accumulate, it pushes the gums away from the teeth creating small pockets where food debris and harmful bacteria can collect. You may not be aware that this is happening, particularly around your back teeth. Your hygienist will remove the debris and tartar and check any pocket that may be developing so you can be aware of them and head off gingivitis before it has a chance to develop further.
When you consider the costs associated with fillings and treating gum disease, it makes sense to take the preventive route and have your teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis. Keep your teeth and gums and oral health at their best. Call today and schedule a visit with Mint Dental for a thorough dental exam and professional cleaning.
