Supercharge Your Smile: Unveiling the Power of Professional Cleanings

New River Valley Dental Care • September 18, 2024

According to the CDC, only 65.5% of American adults have scheduled a dental exam or cleaning in the past year. When was the last time you scheduled a professional teeth cleaning? Your oral health and appearance could suffer if it has been a while.


Before that happens, it is crucial to improve your teeth cleaning health with a visit to your Christiansburg, VA, dentist. Maintaining a plaque-free smile can benefit your oral and overall health. 

Do you need to be convinced you need to visit your dentist? Read on to discover the benefits of dental cleanings (plus our expert dental hygiene tips) today!


Benefits of Dental Cleanings

Schedule an appointment with your Christiansburg, VA dentist. They will assess your smile to make personalized recommendations. They may mention a few benefits of dental cleanings.


Prevent Cavities

Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily will remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Without an established oral hygiene routine, plaque can form. Plaque is a tacky, sticky, clear film that can adhere to your teeth.


Neglecting to clean plaque away gives it time to harden into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with a brush at home; instead, you will need to schedule a professional teeth cleaning.


Otherwise, plaque and tartar release acid, eroding your protective tooth enamel. Tooth decay can occur. Symptoms of cavities include:

  • Visible holes in your teeth
  • Sensitivity
  • Pain
  • Black or white staining on your teeth


Without treatment, you could experience ongoing tooth pain, a tooth abscess, or difficulty chewing. An abscess can infect, leading to life-threatening complications (like sepsis). Pus could form around your infected tooth, and the risk of damaging the tooth may increase. 


According to the World Health Organization, untreated dental caries (decay) in permanent teeth are the most common health condition worldwide. About two billion people globally suffer from caries of permanent teeth. Another 514 million children suffer from caries of primary teeth.


For personalized cavity prevention tips, consult your Christiansburg dentist. Alternatively, consider scheduling a dental cleaning every six months. Regular cleanings can halt the progression of tooth decay and ensure you receive immediate treatment. Talk to your Christiansburg dentist for cavity prevention tips. Otherwise, schedule a dental cleaning every six months. Regular cleanings can keep tooth decay from progressing while ensuring you receive immediate treatment. 


Your dentist can assess your teeth to spot the early signs of tooth decay. They can treat the decay before you require a root canal. Early-stage treatment includes fluoride, which may restore your tooth enamel and prevent decay. 


Protect Your Gums

Plaque and tartar can form below your gum line, increasing your risk of gum disease (gingivitis). Symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Tender gums
  • Red or bleeding gums
  • Bad breath (that does not go away)
  • Spaces forming between teeth
  • Loose teeth/teeth falling out
  • Pus between the teeth and gums


If you experience these symptoms, visit your Christiansburg dentist right away. Otherwise, gingivitis can progress to its advanced stage. Periodontitis can increase your risk of losing teeth. 


Other health complications of untreated gum disease include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and lung disease. You may notice a change in how your teeth fit together (malocclusion), which may require orthodontic treatment.


Brush and floss daily to reduce your risk of tooth decay. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can make maintaining a healthy smile easier. They will spot early signs of gum disease before it progresses. 


Regular cleanings will protect your smile before you experience changes to your oral health, bite, and appearance. 


Avoid Tooth Loss

Remember, tooth decay and gingivitis can increase your risk of losing teeth. Decay can create holes within your teeth before destroying the supporting bone tissue in your jaw.


Visit your dentist for regular cleanings to avoid tooth loss. They can provide personalized recommendations to help you maintain a healthy smile.


Your dentist can also guide you on complementary services that can further boost your oral health. For instance, after your routine cleaning, you can opt for cosmetic dentistry services. Professional teeth whitening, for example, can reduce bacteria in your mouth, putting you in control of your oral health.


Keep Your Breath Fresh

The bacteria in your mouth can multiply if you neglect your oral health. You may notice your breath gets worse over time. Having bad breath can affect your self-esteem, especially in social settings.


Visiting your dentist for routine cleanings can help reduce the bacteria in your mouth. A thorough cleaning can also maintain fresh breath and a healthy smile.


Let your dentist know if you are struggling with bad breath. They can determine the underlying cause, which can include:

  • Plaque
  • Certain medications
  • Tobacco products
  • Onions, garlic, and other foods
  • Dry mouth
  • Infections in your mouth
  • Constant heartburn
  • Some cancers


Save Money

Recognizing the importance of oral care now can save you money later. Otherwise, you could develop a serious issue like tooth decay or gum disease, which will require time-consuming, expensive treatments.


Before that happens, schedule appointments at your dentist's office every six months. Their preventive dentistry services can help you maintain a healthy smile. 


Improved Appearance and Confidence

Maintaining a healthy smile can significantly impact your mood. When you smile more, your body increases the production of serotonin, the feel-good chemical. This can lead to a more positive and uplifted mood.


Having a beautiful smile can also boost your self-confidence. You may feel more comfortable knowing your teeth are clean and healthy in social settings. 



Expert Dental Hygiene Tips

When brushing your teeth, use gentle, circular motions. Brush the sides of each tooth and your tongue. Replace the brush once the bristles become worn.


Reduce your risk of tooth decay by:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day
  • Using fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing at least once a day
  • Eating fewer sugary and acidic foods
  • Limiting snacks between meals
  • Getting dental sealants


Try consuming foods that help fight tooth decay, such as fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich foods, and water with fluoride. 


Schedule professional teeth cleanings every six months. Routine appointments can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.



Discuss Your Teeth Cleaning Health Today

To recap, what is the benefit of prioritizing your teeth cleaning health? Healthy teeth can improve your appearance and overall health and save you money. Apply these expert dental hygiene tips to start maintaining a healthy smile today!


At New River Valley Dental Care, we believe in a collaborative approach to dental care. Our team is committed to offering high-quality dental services in a fun, pleasant, and relaxing environment. We will work with you to develop a plan that suits your needs and helps you maintain a healthy smile. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment and be part of your dental care journey. 


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