Just brushing your teeth won’t cut it. The same holds with flossing: it is not enough. Doing both is still not going to be enough. It is because the germs in the teeth keep multiplying without your knowledge. They have a high rate of reproduction. They develop into the sticky, crusty clumps of bacteria you know as “tartar.” Brushing and flossing alone won’t remove them. Expert assistance is required. Only dental health specialists such as those at Yonkers Dental Arts can give this kind of assistance.
A “dental cleaning” is removing plaque and tartar buildup from teeth and cleaning them. If you have a family dentist, you have undoubtedly heard about or gone through the process yourself. While regular dental care is important, a single visit to the dentist is not sufficient. It won’t even last you a whole calendar year! Consuming food and drink regularly promotes the rapid reproduction of microorganisms. Plaque quickly accumulates and necessitates repeat dental work.
But how can you track how much time has passed since your last dental checkup? The following are some indicators that it is time to seek a dental cleaning appointment:
Your teeth are yellow or stained
One of the most obvious signs you need a dental cleaning is if your teeth are yellow or stained. These stains can be caused by various things, such as smoking, drinking coffee or tea, or simply not brushing and flossing properly. A professional cleaning can remove these surface stains and leave your teeth looking cleaner and brighter.
You have bad breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can signify a bacteria buildup in the mouth. If you have noticed that your breath is consistently bad, even after brushing and flossing, it is a good idea to schedule a dental cleaning. The cleaning will help remove the bacteria and freshen your breath.
Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. A professional cleaning can remove this buildup and help prevent further damage to the gums.
You have sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth can be caused by various things, such as tooth decay, worn tooth enamel, or exposed roots. A dental cleaning can help identify the cause of the sensitivity and provide treatment options.
You have not had a cleaning in over six months
Even if you don’t have any of the above symptoms, you should schedule a cleaning every six months. It will help prevent any issues and catch any problems early on.
You notice visible plaque or tartar buildup
Plaque and tartar are a buildup of bacteria and food particles on the teeth and gums. They can appear as a yellow or brownish buildup on the teeth and cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease if not removed. A professional cleaning will include scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums.
You should schedule regular dental cleanings to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have not had a cleaning in over six months, it is time to schedule an appointment. Your dentist can provide a professional cleaning and identify any potential issues.
