What Can One Dental Cleaning Get Rid Of?
Our mouths need professional cleanings. Plaque and tartar buildup happens over time, kind of like how a ceiling fan collects dust. Consistent dental care creates a healthy smile over time, but what can just one cleaning get rid of? A lot.
1. Surface Stains
Even if you brush regularly, plaque sticks around in the form of tooth stains. Hygienists use prophy pastes—ones that can remove 35% more stains than at-home brushing. Dental professionals choose pastes depending on patients’ needs. Their rubber cup toothbrush is softer than commercial versions, balancing out the toothpaste’s abrasiveness.
2. Hard Plaque
If you haven’t had a cleaning for quite some time, you may have spots with hardened plaque—also known as calculus. Calculus is too hard to be removed by tooth brushing alone. Hygienists must use periodontal scalers to remove calculus buildup.
3. Bad Breath
Concentrations of odor-causing bacteria dropped 50% after one professional cleaning, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. Like plaque, bacteria like to hide in your mouth’s hard-to-reach areas. Less oxygen reaches those spots, making them dry (and stinky). A cleaning removes deposits on teeth that harbor bacteria. But if your breath is consistently bad, your dentist can help identify the underlying condition.
Though a single dental cleaning isn’t an instant solution, one appointment can make a powerful impact.
Related stories
-
Enhanced Benefits Improve Oral & Overall Health
Routine dental care improves both your oral health and your overall health. In fact, dentists can detect … Read More
-
A Love Letter to Straws
What would a tropical drink be without these decorative devices? Other than the 24 hours following tooth … Read More
-
4 Reasons Why It’s Easy Being Green
A wise frog once told us, “It’s not easy being green.” Well, no offense Kermit, but we … Read More
Sign Up Now
Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 305 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 166 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 91 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 71 Likes
- 5 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 53 Likes
- 6 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 49 Likes
- 7 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 44 Likes
- 8 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 39 Likes
- 9 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 38 Likes
- 10 Signs of diabetic eye problems 36 Likes