By Maylands Dental Centre 
Many people think daily brushing and flossing are enough for good oral hygiene. While these habits are essential, professional teeth cleaning plays a key role in oral health.
Plaque buildup, tartar, and bacteria can develop in hard-to-reach areas, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Regular dental cleanings remove stubborn plaque and tartar and help reduce the chances of more serious dental concerns. A dental hygienist can check gum health and detect early signs of issues, allowing for timely care before problems get worse.
Keeping up with professional dental cleanings supports both oral and overall health. Addressing minor concerns early may also help lower long-term dental costs.
- Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing cannot reach.
- Regular cleanings help reduce the risk of gum disease and detect early signs of dental issues.
- Daily oral care is essential, but professional cleanings provide deeper cleaning and preventive care.
- Plaque buildup hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.
- Professional tools like scalers and polishers clean teeth safely and effectively.
- Routine dental checkups allow early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other concerns.
- Gum disease is common in Australia, with cases increasing over time.
- Cleanings help remove bacteria, reduce bad breath, and maintain fresher breath.
- Preventive care may lower long-term dental costs by reducing the need for complex treatments.
- Both home care and professional cleanings work together to support healthy teeth and gums.
What is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning is a routine dental procedure that helps maintain good oral hygiene. It involves removing plaque, tartar, and food particles that brushing and flossing cannot reach. A dental hygienist uses tools like an ultrasonic scaler and handheld instruments to clean along the gum line and between tooth surfaces.
The cleaning process includes teeth scaling, polishing, and a fluoride treatment. Scaling helps take off hardened deposits near the gum tissue, while polishing smooths the enamel to reduce plaque buildup. A fluoride treatment helps protect tooth enamel and lower the risk of tooth decay.
A visit for a professional dental cleaning might also involve a dental examination to look for initial indicators of oral health problems, like periodontal disease or cavities. Routine dental cleanings support a healthy mouth and play a vital role in preventing long-term dental problems.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings support good oral hygiene and help lower the risk of oral health problems. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) highlights that plaque and tartar buildup contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
While daily brushing and flossing are essential, home care alone cannot remove hardened tartar or reach certain areas of the mouth.
The following are the key benefits:
- It removes plaque and tartar from areas that are difficult to clean at home.
- It enables the prompt identification of cavities, gum inflammation, and various other issues related to oral health during a dental examination.
- It supports gum health by reducing the buildup of bacteria linked to periodontal disease.
- It helps maintain fresher breath by removing odour-causing bacteria and food particles.
- It may lower future dental costs by reducing the likelihood of extensive treatment for advanced oral health issues.
Professional cleanings work effectively alongside consistent daily care and regular dental visits, forming part of a well-rounded approach to oral health.
Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on tooth surfaces. If it is not eliminated through regular brushing and flossing, it will harden into tartar (calculus), which cannot be cleared away at home.
- Tartar buildup along the gum line and between teeth increases the risk of gum inflammation and tooth decay.
- Professional tools, such as handheld scalers or ultrasonic devices, are used to take off hardened tartar safely.
- Scaling and root planing might be advised for considerable tartar buildup below the gum line.
While home care is essential, professional removal of plaque and tartar provides additional care that supports long-term oral health.
Early Detection of Dental Issues
A professional dental cleaning appointment allows dentists and hygienists to check for early signs of oral health concerns. Identifying issues early may help avoid more complex dental procedures later.
- Cavities:
Detecting plaque buildup early may help reduce the risk of tooth decay. - Gum disease:
Addressing gingivitis early may help lower the risk of periodontitis, a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. - Oral cancer screening:
A dental exam includes checking for abnormal sores or lesions that may need further assessment.
Routine checkups provide valuable insight into oral health, helping to address concerns before they become more serious.
Prevention of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a widespread concern in Australia. The National Survey of Adult Oral Health found that moderate to severe periodontal disease increased from 20.5% in 2004-2006 to 30.1% in 2017-2018.
How professional cleanings help:
- Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, key contributors to gum inflammation.
- Removing bacteria linked to gingivitis and periodontitis may help reduce the risk of tooth and bone loss.
- Reaching difficult-to-clean areas during a professional cleaning helps support gum health.
When combined with good daily oral care, professional cleanings can help support healthier gums and reduce the risk of progression to more severe conditions.
Fresher Breath and Brighter Smile
Bacteria, plaque buildup, and food debris often cause bad breath (halitosis). A professional dental cleaning appointment helps remove these factors, supporting fresher breath.
- Polishing helps remove surface stains from coffee, tea, and smoking but does not whiten teeth.
- Bacteria removal reduces the presence of odour-causing microbes in the mouth.
- Good oral hygiene practices help maintain long-term freshness.
While professional cleanings contribute to cleaner-looking teeth and fresher breath, individual results depend on diet, lifestyle, and oral care habits.
Savings on Future Dental Costs
Preventive dental care, including routine cleanings, may lower the likelihood of needing costly procedures in the future. Addressing plaque buildup and gum inflammation early may reduce the risk of advanced dental problems.
Potential cost-saving benefits include:
- Detecting cavities early may help reduce the need for larger fillings or root canal treatment.
- Regular checkups may help lower the risk of periodontal disease, which, if severe, may require deep cleaning or tooth extractions.
- Maintaining oral health through routine cleanings supports long-term dental health.
Investing in preventive care may reduce the likelihood of requiring more extensive dental treatments, though individual needs and outcomes vary.
How Often Should You Get Professional Teeth Cleaning?
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) generally recommends professional teeth cleaning every six months for most people. However, individual needs vary based on factors such as oral hygiene habits, medical conditions, and risk for gum disease or other oral health issues.
- Standard recommendation:
Many individuals benefit from a cleaning every six months to help remove plaque buildup and support good oral health. - Higher-risk patients:
Those with diabetes, heart disease, or a history of periodontal disease may require more frequent cleanings. A dentist or hygienist will determine the appropriate schedule. - Low-risk patients:
Some people with healthy teeth and gums and no history of significant oral health issues may need cleanings once a year.
Skipping routine cleanings can lead to plaque buildup, which may contribute to bleeding gums and other oral health issues. Professional cleanings help support good oral hygiene, but at-home care remains essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
What to Expect During a Professional Cleaning
Professional dental cleaning includes multiple steps to remove plaque buildup and support long-term dental health. The process is designed to be thorough while considering patient comfort.
1. Examination:
- The dentist or hygienist checks for plaque buildup, early signs of gum disease, and other concerns.
- X-rays may be taken if needed to assess underlying dental health issues.
2. Scaling:
- A scaler gently removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gumline.
- If tartar has hardened, an ultrasonic scaler may break it down with vibrations and water spray.
3. Polishing:
- A special paste is applied with a rotating brush to smooth the tooth surface and remove minor stains.
- Polishing helps maintain good oral hygiene by making it harder for plaque to accumulate.
4. Flossing and rinsing:
- The dentist or hygienist flosses between the teeth to remove any remaining debris.
- A fluoride rinse may be used to help strengthen enamel.
5. Final review and recommendations:
- The dentist or hygienist provides advice on home care, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.
- Those with dental anxiety can discuss ways to improve comfort during future visits.
Some patients may feel mild discomfort, particularly if they have sensitive teeth or plaque buildup.
Final Thoughts
Professional teeth cleaning helps maintain good oral health by removing plaque and tartar. It also reduces gum disease risk and allows for early detection of dental concerns. While daily brushing and flossing are essential, they cannot remove hardened deposits or reach all areas of the mouth. Regular cleanings support healthy teeth and gums over time.
Preventive care may also help lower long-term dental costs by addressing minor concerns early. However, maintaining oral health requires more than professional cleaning. Consistent home care, balanced nutrition, and routine dental checkups all play a role in optimal oral hygiene.
Maylands Dental Centre offers professional dental care tailored to individual needs. Routine cleanings and comprehensive oral health support help patients maintain a healthy smile.
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