Proper oral hygiene is the first step to the perfect smile

Do you take a good overall care of your smile? How often do you brush and floss? If you do that on a regular basis, you should be proud of yourself, as the Americans who really take good dental care of themselves are not many. In fact, it is less than 30% of U.S. adults, who brush their teeth after every meal and less than 50%, who floss every day. Even if you are an expert with your home dental hygiene though, you still need to see a professional dental specialist at least once per year to do that extra bit more that is critical to your oral health.

 

Why do I need a professional teeth cleaning?

No matter how diligent you are at taking care of your teeth at home, harmful bacteria ca still grow in your mouth and can only be removed by a dental professional. These bacteria can cause gum disease, and significantly affect your

overall health. To maintain optimal oral health, one of the best things you can do is have your teeth professionally cleaned throughout the year. It is a relatively painless process and ensures your gums and teeth are free of bacteria and plaque that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and several other health issues, like hearth problems, diabetes, etc.

How is Professional Teeth Cleaning Performed?

The most commonly used instruments for cleaning and polishing teeth are:

Ultrasonic cleaner – The ultrasonic cleaner breaks down plaque and washes away any residue or debris around the teeth.

Periodontal scalers and curettes – Periodontal scalers and curettes scrape tartar off the surface of the teeth.

Polishers – Polishers are used to buff and smooth the surface of the teeth.

Fluoride treatments – Your dentist may finish the cleaning of your teeth with the application of a fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth.

 What are the benefits of professional teeth cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning has many advantages, including:

• Preventing gum disease and inflammations
• Reducing the risk of advanced periodontitis and tooth loss
• Preventing bad breath
• Brightening your smile
• Improving overall health and preventing other health issues, like diabetes and heart disease

Teeth cleaning and Orthodontic Treatment

When you are going under orthodontic treatment, good oral hygiene is even more important. Plaque builds up quicker around brackets, bands and wires.

To prevent gum disease and cavities, you need to clean both your teeth and braces properly. Your Puyallup orthodontist will guide you to suitable products for orthodontic care and show you how to use them. Follow our Puyallup blog and you will find out in our next post what are the most suitable products for your orthodontic hygiene at home.