Your dentist and you should work together to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Maintaining a regular schedule of professional dental cleanings is essential to preserving your teeth for as long as possible, even if you do your part by practicing diligent at-home oral care. Read on to learn more from a dentist in Fort Myers, FL.

The Value of Regular Dental Checkups

You should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. The advantages of a dental cleaning performed by a trained professional include:

Regular dental checkups can save you a lot of money (and maybe even some pain) in the long run due to their emphasis on early diagnosis. While cleaning your teeth, a dentist can look for any indicators of oral health problems and treat them before they worsen.

Professional cleaning

Dentists have access to equipment and training that most people need access to. This means they can assist you in giving your teeth and oral tissues a much more comprehensive cleaning than you could do on your own.

A dental cleaning is an excellent opportunity to ask your dentist any questions you may have regarding your oral health. Ask the dentist anything you want to know about maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding cavities.

What Should You Expect from a Qualified Dental Professional?

• Checking for problems: Your dentist or hygienist will use miniature mirrors to examine your teeth.
• Scraping: The dental hygienist will use a tool called a scaler to scrape away the plaque and tartar.
• Teeth brushing: brushing the patient’s teeth is typically the final step in professional dental cleaning. Dentists and dental hygienists use professional “gritty” toothpastes because they better scrape and polish teeth than store-bought toothpastes.
• Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning is something your dentist may also offer. They will tell you if you need this and how it can help.

How Frequently Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned by a Professional?

There are situations in which a patient should visit the dentist more frequently for cleaning. 

Some such justifications are:

• Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede, potentially necessitating more regular cleanings than usual. However, preventative measures against gum disease include routine dental checkups and cleanings.
• Various health disorders can leave someone more prone to oral and dental health difficulties. For instance, a person with compromised immunity may require more frequent dental cleanings to avoid the spread of infection.
• Tobacco use, excessive sugar intake, and other unhealthy behaviors have all been linked to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. They may benefit from having their teeth cleaned more frequently than the general population.