Reasons for Needing Oral Cleaning
Common Reasons for Dental Visits
There are many different reasons why you may need oral cleaning. The most common reason for dental visits is when people have developed cavities or other tooth decay problems. Other reasons for dental visits include when people feel an uncomfortable feeling in their mouth, toothaches, sores in the mouth, bad breath, teeth grinding at night, and jaw pain. Oral care is a very important part of our overall health and well-being. The mouth is a haven for bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can lead to serious diseases in the rest of the body. This is why it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything in your power to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Causes of Oral Health Problems
There are many different things that can cause oral health problems. Some common ones are an injury or trauma to the mouth, poor hygiene habits, poor diet, smoking or chewing tobacco products, and dry mouth from medications like antihistamines.
Recognizing the Need for Dental Care
Signs of Oral Health Issues
If you’re experiencing any discomfort when you eat or brush your teeth or notice any changes in your gums or teeth – call your dentist right away! Treating oral problems earlier is much more effective and better than treating them later when they are much worse. Every tooth needs a good dental cleaning at least every 6 months- or 3 months if you have excess plaque buildup or gum disease. This is because the tooth build-up, plaque, and tartar can lead to major health problems if not addressed quickly. Plaque from your teeth essentially gets swallowed over time and flows through your bloodstream directly to your heart, which can actually cause major heart complications.
Professional Cleaning Recommendations
A professional cleaning should be done twice a year with a hygienist at your dentist’s office. More frequent cleanings, every 3 months, are advised for patients who have gum disease or other oral conditions. The dentist will scrape the teeth in order to remove any tartar and plaque buildup from between them. They will also use an ultrasonic scaler to remove build-up from the top of the teeth so it doesn’t continue to build up during your routine home care. The American Dental Association recommends daily brushing because plaque slowly breaks down the enamel on your teeth, causing them to wear away over time. You should brush for at least two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse. Flossing twice a day also helps fight against cavities and other oral problems.
When to Seek Dental Care
It is important to know when you need dental care as it can help you prevent tooth decay, toothaches, and gum disease. It is also an indicator of your overall health.
Signs You Need a Dental Cleaning
In order to know when you need a dental cleaning, here are some signs to look for:
- Bad breath
- A toothache, tooth sensitivity, or pain when chewing
- Bleeding gums or a sticky blood coating on your teeth and inside your mouth
- Sensitivity of teeth or gums
- Abnormal swelling of the gums or face
- Loose teeth or severe pain when chewing food
- Excessive buildup of tartar on teeth
