Teeth Cleaning Las Vegas is an essential part of maintaining oral health and can prevent serious problems down the road. But it can be a scary experience for some patients.
The dental hygienist uses a hand-held scaler to remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, as well as below the gum line. They may also use an air/water syringe to rinse your mouth and wash away debris.
One of the biggest reasons for tooth decay is a buildup of plaque and tartar. A deep clean by a dental hygienist helps remove these and other bacterial deposits. If left untreated, these can lead to cavities and gum disease.
A regular cleaning also strengthens a tooth’s enamel, making it less susceptible to cavities. A fluoride treatment during a dental cleaning is one way this can be accomplished. Another way is through the application of sealants, which are thin plastic coatings that cover teeth and help them resist bacteria and food. A dental hygienist can apply these in the gaps between teeth and on chewing surfaces as well.
The bacterium that forms plaque on teeth can breed over time, leading to the development of gum inflammation (gingivitis). Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which breaks down the bone and tissues that support teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, but it is preventable with good oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings. Dental hygienists can spot the earliest signs of gum disease, including inflamed and bleeding gums, during a cleaning.
A dental cleaning will remove the bacteria that causes bad breath and stains from the teeth as well. These include food particles and stains from tobacco, coffee, tea and wine. Regular cleanings will reduce the risk of staining and discoloration, but a healthy diet and good oral hygiene habits are the best ways to prevent these issues.
Regular cleanings can also help prevent professional restorations from breaking down, such as fillings and crowns. If these break down, the mouth may need further treatment, such as a root canal or dental implants. This can be expensive and take a long time to recover from. By preventing tooth decay, regular dental cleanings can save you money and improve your smile. To get the most out of your routine dental cleanings, choose a dentist that you trust and visit regularly. Also, drink plenty of water – particularly fluoridated tap water – and limit sugary drinks like soft drinks, fruit juices and cordials.
Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications if not treated in time. Fortunately, gum disease can be prevented with regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits. Regular cleanings remove the bacterial film known as plaque, which is one of the main contributors to gum disease. In addition, hygienists will use special tools to clean hard-to-reach places between the teeth and along the gum line where brushing alone cannot reach.
During your teeth cleaning, the hygienist will remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that is present on all of your tooth surfaces. This will prevent the bacterial infection that is responsible for gum disease from getting worse. In the earliest stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the bacterium that builds up in the mouth causes inflammation and bleeding in the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to the more severe form of gum disease, periodontitis. During this phase, the bacteria will start to eat away at the gum tissue and bone that supports your teeth. This can cause your teeth to loosen in their sockets and eventually fall out.
Teeth cleaning is also important in preventing gum recession, which is a major risk factor for more serious oral health problems. During a routine dental cleaning, the hygienist can spot the early signs of receding gums, such as red, swollen gums that easily bleed when touched or flossed. This allows the dentist to take prompt action to halt the progression of gum disease and restore healthy gum tissue. In some cases, the dentist may recommend a more thorough procedure called scaling and root planing to remove stubborn bacterial deposits that are causing gum recession.
Routine dental cleanings can help save you money in the long run by preventing more costly oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Dental insurance typically covers preventive visits and regular cleanings, and you can also pay for them using funds from a flexible spending account or health savings account. So don’t delay your next dental appointment!
Prevents Bad Breath
Keeping the mouth clean and healthy prevents bad breath. Plaque is the main culprit of bad breath and when it hardens into tartar, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria that release foul-smelling sulfur compounds. During regular dental cleaning procedures, our dentists and hygienists remove these substances, leaving the patient with fresher-smelling breath. If bad breath persists after regular visits, a dentist can determine the source of the problem and help the patient take steps to fix it, such as chewing sugar-free gum or using mouthwash that kills bacteria and freshens the breath.
Bad breath can also be caused by certain foods, such as garlic or onions, or by smoking or drinking alcohol. The patient may also have a medical issue that causes bad breath, such as a sinus or throat infection, some diseases, or chronic reflux or dry mouth. A dental professional can help the patient make changes to their diet or medication to stop these issues from causing bad breath.
Brushing twice daily, with a toothbrush that is in good condition, is essential for freshening the breath. A patient should also floss regularly to remove food particles and plaque in the areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. A good technique for flossing is to gently slide the floss between each tooth and along the gumline. Flossing also helps to prevent gum disease, cavities and other oral problems, which can cause bad breath.
Having fresher, healthier breath can improve a patient’s quality of life, self-esteem and even their job performance. By reducing the bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath, teeth cleaning procedures can prevent health concerns like gum disease, tooth decay and sores from causing unpleasant odors. By educating patients on ways to keep the mouth clean between dental cleaning procedures, dentists and hygienists can help patients maintain beautiful smiles and healthy mouths. This is an example of how prevention truly is the best medicine. If you are suffering from persistent bad breath, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
Prevents Sensitivity
Some people experience tooth sensitivity following dental cleanings. Fortunately, this is a common and harmless side effect that will disappear within days or weeks. Usually, it is the result of the underlying dentin being temporarily exposed when plaque and tartar are removed with specialized tools during a professional cleaning.
The tubules that carry nerve signals from your teeth to the brain are located in the underlying dentin, and they can be activated by hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods or drinks, touch and even brushing and flossing. The sensation of tooth pain is caused when these stimuli reach the sensitive tubules and transmit an uncomfortable message to the brain.
Several factors can cause tooth sensitivity, including gum recession and aggressive or hard brushing. Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush that is too small can cause the enamel to erode over time, which can expose the softer and more vulnerable dentin underneath. Regular consumption of acidic foods and beverages can also wear down the enamel, leading to sensitivity. Sensitivity can also occur after certain dental procedures, such as fillings and dental restoration placement.
In some cases, tooth sensitivity after cleaning may be caused by grinding your teeth during sleep. This is a condition known as bruxism and can contribute to the erosion of enamel and the development of tooth sensitivity. Using a mouth guard while you sleep can prevent this problem from worsening.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to prevent tooth sensitivity after dental cleaning. The most important thing is to keep up with your routine oral hygiene regimen and visit the dentist at least twice a year. Make sure you use a toothpaste that addresses sensitivity and brush your teeth gently. You can also rinse with salt water daily, which will instantly reduce sensitivity.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity after cleaning, you should let your dentist know about it right away. They will be able to determine the source of your discomfort and provide instructions for addressing it. They may recommend a toothpaste or mouthwash for sensitivity, and they can also teach you better brushing techniques. They can also help you avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks, which can lead to enamel erosion, and they can suggest ways that you can protect your teeth against erosion in between cleanings.