The Importance of Teeth Cleanings

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist every six months; however, most people only do so when they have a toothache.

Pain is a sign that there is something wrong. You should not wait until you feel a toothache to visit the dentist, and our dentist in Aspen will tell you why!

The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings

Have you heard of periodontal disease? People misbelief that individuals lose teeth due to cavities only; however, gum disease also makes you lose them. We will explain how.

We all have dental plaque. It is a sticky film that consists of saliva and bacteria. If you do not brush it, plaque hardens and turns into tartar. 

Once you have tartar, you must look for oral hygiene cleanings near you because a toothbrush cannot remove it. If you don’t, your gums inflame and irritate. If untreated, a pocket forms between the tooth and the gingiva, where bacteria accumulate. The gums and bone recede, and the dental piece loses support.

Over time, teeth shift and fall out. 

You may prevent it by acquiring oral hygiene cleanings in Aspen. We have licensed dental hygienists that perform them, as well as dentists. We will explain the procedure below.

What to Expect from Teeth Cleanings?

Undergoing professional teeth cleaning requires a single appointment. Your hygienist or dentist will use a special instrument called a scaler to remove the calculus around your teeth.

The more tartar you have, you may feel more discomfort when the dentist is removing it. 

Afterward, they will polish your dentition with a brush and apply fluoride with a pair of trays for a minute. 

Remember that after the fluoride application, you cannot eat or drink anything for 45 minutes. 

Preventing Tooth Decay

Bacteria feed on the sugars of the foods and drinks you consume and produce acids that destroy your enamel. For preventing both tooth decay and periodontal disease, we suggest following these recommendations:

1. Brush your teeth – use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush twice a day for at least two minutes. The toothpaste must have fluoride; otherwise, it will not have an effect against cavities. 

2. Floss daily – If you skip flossing, you leave 40% of your dentition unclean. You must use dental floss, interdental brushes, or any other device (like water flossers) to remove the plaque between teeth. Not doing so can lead to cavities between teeth. 

3. Reduce the consumption of sugars – Sugar is the number one enemy of teeth. By avoiding eating and drinking sugary foods and drinks, you will maintain cavities away. Remember bacteria feeds of starchy foods. 

4. Visit your dentist regularly – We recommend visiting a dentist near you every six months. They will monitor your oral health for early signs of disease.  

5. Change your toothbrush – You must change it every three months or when the bristles are frayed. Improper bristles may harm your teeth and gums. 

There are additional cleaning solutions, like mouth rinses. Your doctor will recommend using a fluoride one or not, depending on your risk of developing cavities.

High-risk groups, such as smokers, pregnant women, people with periodontal disease, may include this step into their oral care routine. 

By following these recommendations, you will lower your risk of getting oral issues. We suggest you schedule a visit with a dental professional as soon as possible if it has been over a year since the last time you did.

Contact Us Today

We have a team of dentists that will help you enhance your smile and keep excellent oral health. Contact us today for more information!