Novato, CA Dentist Explains Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

Written by Dr. McConnell on Apr 30, 2013

To many people dental cleanings do not seem to be all that important as far as taking good care of their teeth. But did you know that if you don’t have a clean, healthy mouth you can’t have a completely healthy body? You may not know it, but if you have not had a dental cleaning in over six months, there’s a good chance that you may have developed gum disease.

Why are regular dental cleanings important?

Plaque and calculus can build up and lead to gum disease. Regular professional cleanings by the Novato, CA Dentist can help prevent and treat the progression of gum disease. This is especially important if you are prone to gingivitis which can lead to periodontitis if not treated.
 
Do I need professional cleanings if I brush and floss regularly?

In a word – absolutely! Daily cleaning helps keep plaque under control and reduce the formation of calculus, but it’s not enough to keep your gums free of disease. You may be very diligent about brushing and flossing, but it is simply not going to remove all the plaque from your teeth. When plaque is left to harden on the tooth, calculus is formed. This can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning.

What’s the difference between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning?

In general, regular dental cleanings are required two to four times per year in order to remove plaque and calculus above and below the gum line. A deep cleaning is much more thorough as it gives us access to the parts of your teeth that are below the gum line.

Prevention is important in all aspects of caring for your teeth, but is especially important when it comes to periodontal disease. Emerging research indicates a strong connection between periodontal disease and complications that lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease, respiratory disease and stroke.

We have a much greater chance of eliminating gum disease through early detection and professional dental cleanings. A deep cleaning performed at the Novato, CA Dentist office is the easiest and most effective way to treat gum disease before it becomes severe and causes more serious health concerns.