Importance of Routine Dental Cleanings
Most people are aware that the American Dental Association recommends at least two professional dental cleanings each year. However, fewer are aware of just why these routine cleanings are so important. Experienced dentist Andrew G. Mortensen stresses the importance of routine dental cleanings to his Fountain Valley, CA, patients. He wants his patients to understand how beneficial general dentistry services, such as dental exams and cleanings, are in preserving the health and strength of their teeth. Once patients realize the advantages of a professional dental cleaning, they are unlikely to hesitate the next time it comes to schedule their bi-annual appointment.
Dental Cleanings Remove Plaque
At-home oral hygiene habits are essential to the maintenance of good oral health. Since professional dental cleanings are only recommended twice yearly, the majority of a person’s oral hygiene routine takes place at home. Regular brushing and flossing is meant to rid the teeth of bacteria, sugars, starches, and any food particles that remain behind after a person eats. One thing that brushing and flossing is not meant to remove is plaque. Plaque is the hard, sticky buildup that can develop on the teeth, near the gum line, when bacteria multiply. Plaque eats away at healthy tooth enamel and is a leading cause of tooth decay. Unfortunately, plaque is too strong for a regular toothbrush or dental floss. When plaque does develop, the only effective way to remove it is through a professional dental cleaning. Using a tool called a dental scaler, Dr. Mortensen scrapes away plaque to thoroughly clean the teeth. By eliminating plaque from the gum line, Dr. Mortensen can preserve the health and strength of a patient’s teeth and minimize the risk of more advanced dental complications.
Dental Cleanings Detect Potential Problems
Even when a person practices good oral hygiene habits, they may still develop some dental complications. Cavities, gingivitis, and dental damage are all common concerns among our patients. As long as dental problems are treated early on, they should not have a drastic impact on the strength or function of the teeth. The longer that a dental problem goes untreated, the more likely it is that a severe complication (such as tooth loss) will develop. At a routine dental cleaning and exam, dental problems can be diagnosed before they even cause any noticeable side effects for the patient. By pinpointing problems early on and creating an effective treatment plan, Dr. Mortensen is able to help his patients preserve the health of their smile.
Dental Cleanings Protect the Whole Mouth
Professional dental care is not just beneficial to the teeth. The dental services provided by Dr. Mortensen are meant to preserve the health of the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth as well. Routine dental cleanings remove harmful bacteria from the mouth and greatly reduce the risk of gum disease, which is an infection of the periodontal tissue. These cleanings and exams also involve a visual inspection of the tongue, cheeks, and soft tissues of the mouth. We screen for any potential signs of oral cancer so that patients can diagnose and treat this condition before it reaches more advanced stages.
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A routine dental cleaning does much more than clean the teeth. By undergoing regular dental exams and cleanings, patients can preserve oral health, minimize the risk of dental complications, and ensure that any potential problems are treated in a timely manner. To learn more about the dental cleanings offered by Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen, contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!