Regular dental cleaning polishes your teeth and removes plaque and tartar buildup, while deep cleaning eliminates bacteria colonies from your mouth. That's why it's important to get a professional dental cleaning twice a year. If you haven't been to a cleaning in a while, now is the time to start taking control of your oral health. Scraping and root smoothing are more time consuming and often require anesthesia to make the patient feel comfortable during the procedure.
If only regular cleaning were performed, the stone or buildup under the gums would continue with the progression of periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease can damage the supporting structures of the teeth, including soft tissue and supporting bone, and can even lead to tooth loss. Having a thorough dental cleaning and dental exam every six months helps eliminate buildup before it causes major problems and gives the dentist a chance to detect any diseases or cavities before they get worse. It can also help prevent periodontal disease by brushing your teeth twice a day (with fluoride toothpaste), flossing every day, and visiting the dentist routinely for a checkup and professional cleaning.It's never too late to get your teeth cleaned.
Just because you haven't been to a cleaning in a while doesn't mean you shouldn't start taking control of your teeth and your oral health. Likewise, if there have been intervals between appointments with the hygienist, now is the time to return to a solid treatment routine. Try to make it one of your dental resolutions for the new year, or make a pact with family members to visit the dentist regularly. Whatever the cost, routine dental care only benefits you and your future health.