Hygiene

Everything you need to know about the importance of dental cleanings!

Dental hygiene is an important aspect of overall health and well-being. The health of your teeth and gums can have a significant impact on your overall health, and maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing serious health problems.

One of the main oral health issues that can arise from poor dental hygiene is tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that produce acids that erode the enamel on the teeth. The most common cause of tooth decay is the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and by visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings.

Gum disease is another oral health issue that can arise from poor dental hygiene. Gum disease is caused by plaque that is not removed from the teeth, leading to inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious health problems, including tooth loss and cardiovascular disease. Regular professional cleanings, brushing, and flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly can help to prevent gum disease.

Recent studies have also shown a link between oral bacteria and various systemic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. One of the main oral bacteria linked to systemic health problems is Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium that is commonly found in people with periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Another oral bacteria that has been linked to systemic health problems is Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that is a major cause of tooth decay.

To maintain good oral hygiene, it is important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, and to visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. During a cleaning, a dentist or hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, and if not removed, can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning.

In addition to removing plaque and tartar, dental cleanings also include polishing the teeth to remove any surface stains and to make the teeth look shiny and smooth. And also a fluoride treatment can be applied to help strengthen the teeth and make them more resistant to decay.

Regular dental cleanings are important for maintaining overall oral health, and can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

In conclusion, dental hygiene is not only important for maintaining the health of the teeth and gums, but also for maintaining overall health and well-being. Brushing and flossing teeth at least twice a day, and visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups, can help to remove plaque and prevent the buildup of harmful oral bacteria.