Ever wonder why it is necessary to take the time and incur the expense of dental cleanings and checkups in your dentist’s office when you take very good care of your teeth at home? In actuality, it is one of the most important visits that you can make to your dentist.

To begin with, the dental checkup that is part of a professional cleaning in your dentist’s office can ensure that your at-home oral hygiene routine is helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and the dental hygienist can instruct you in the best methods for brushing and flossing your teeth. But even though you may be very diligent in your at-home care, brushing your teeth typically removes only about sixty-five percent of the plaque and bacteria that exist on your teeth, so a professional cleaning is important for removing the rest.

Plaque that is not removed from your teeth and gums eventually hardens into tartar which can cause a variety of problems in your mouth including cavities and gum disease. While a large percentage of plaque can be removed by flossing and brushing, tartar can only be removed by using special dental tools and procedures. As tartar (also known as calculus) forms, it continues to attract more plaque which leads to the formation of more tartar. Calculus is typically removed by manual scaling of the teeth or by using an ultrasonic device. If tartar exists below the gum line, a deep periodontal cleaning known as scaling and root planing becomes necessary.

Once any existing plaque or tartar is removed from your teeth and gums, your teeth will be polished. Tooth polishing is usually accomplished either by spraying a high pressure mixture of water or baking soda paste onto your teeth or by using a rubber cup and polishing paste. Polishing not only leaves your teeth looking and feeling healthy, it also leaves you with a clean mouth and fresh breath.

A dental cleaning appointment also gives the dentist the opportunity to assess any treatments that may be necessary such as catching cavities when they are small or treating gum disease in the early stages so that it does not build into something serious. A professional cleaning appointment and dental checkup will include some or all of the following:

Plaque and tartar (calculus) removal
Tooth scaling and plannings, if needed
Removing Stains
Tooth polishing
Periodontal charting and cleaning
Checking for cavities and/or tooth fractures
Evaluating current restorations such as fillings, veneers, crowns, implants, bridges, inlays, onlays, etc.
Fluoride treatments
Early detection of mouth cancer

Depending on your overall oral health, your dentist may recommend a dental cleaning appointment every two to six months. For people who have a tendency to tartar buildup more frequent cleanings may be recommended because they are important for keeping the tartar in check and controlling the possibility of gum disease. Ongoing dental cleanings and checkups are imperative for the foundation of a lifetime of good dental health.

Author Bio: After graduating as a Doctor of Medical Dentistry in 1988 Dr. Vito Clarizio started his own practice in Whitestone, NY and has been in private practice in this location for over 20 years. He is loved by both his patients and his staff. Visit WhitestoneGentleDentist.com

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: dr clarizio, dental care, tooth decay, dental checkups, caring for teeth, healthy teeth, healthy gum