Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile and overall health. While brushing and flossing daily is important, they are not enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular visits to the dentist for professional teeth cleaning are crucial in keeping your teeth and gums in good shape. In this article, we will discuss the importance of having your teeth cleaned by a dentist and how frequently you should clean them.

Why Professional Teeth Cleaning is Important

Professional teeth cleaning is a crucial part of preventive dental care. During a teeth cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly. Tartar, also known as calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional.

Aside from removing plaque and tartar buildup, a teeth cleaning appointment also includes a thorough examination of your mouth. This allows your dentist to detect any potential dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, early on, making them easier to treat. In addition, a teeth cleaning appointment usually involves a polishing treatment, which helps to remove surface stains and leave your teeth looking brighter and cleaner.

How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?

The frequency of teeth cleaning appointments varies depending on each individual’s needs. Generally, dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, some people may need to have their teeth cleaned more often, especially if they have a history of dental problems.

If you have gum disease, for example, your dentist may recommend having your teeth cleaned more frequently, such as every three to four months. Similarly, if you have a higher risk of developing cavities, such as if you have a diet high in sugar or have a history of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend more frequent teeth cleaning appointments.

Children should also have their teeth cleaned regularly. The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting. After the first visit, children should have their teeth cleaned every six months unless otherwise recommended by their dentist.

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment?

During a teeth cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They will also use a scaler to remove any buildup between your teeth and gums. Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, the hygienist will polish your teeth using special toothpaste and a rotating brush. The toothpaste used in professional teeth cleaning appointments contains abrasive particles that help to remove surface stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth and clean.

After the cleaning is complete, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth. They will check for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems. If they detect any issues, they will discuss treatment options with you and may recommend follow-up appointments as needed.

In some cases, your dentist may also recommend additional treatments during your teeth cleaning appointment. For example, they may recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth and protect against cavities. They may also take dental X-rays to get a better look at your teeth and gums and detect any potential problems that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health Between Teeth Cleaning Appointments

While professional teeth cleaning appointments are important for maintaining good oral health, there are also things you can do at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy between appointments. Here are some tips:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria in your mouth.
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can damage your teeth.
• Drink plenty of water, as it helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria in your mouth.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals to help stimulate saliva production, which helps to neutralize the acid in your mouth and prevent tooth decay.

Take Away Note

Regular professional teeth cleaning appointments are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. They help to remove plaque and tartar buildup, detect potential dental issues early on, and leave your teeth looking and feeling cleaner. While the recommended frequency of teeth cleaning appointments varies depending on individual needs, generally, it is recommended to have them every six months. In addition to regular teeth cleaning appointments, practising good oral hygiene at home can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy between appointments.

Getting the best tooth cleaning doesn’t have to be much of a problem anymore. Nairobi sterling dental clinic offers some consolation, and brings these services closer to you. Residents of Nairobi and its environs can now get their teeth cleaned professionally and at friendly and affordable costs. Visit the Nairobi Sterling Dental Clinic today, consult with our specialists and kick-start your dental rehabilitation thorough tooth cleaning. We are located at the Park Suite Building, in Parklands. You can also feel free to contact us to book an appointment or make an enquiry. Besides tooth cleaning, we also offer a myriad of other exquisite dental services, all life-changing and at a friendly cost