3 Surprising (Hidden) Benefits of Teeth Cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, is a preventive dental procedure performed by the dentist in 37129 to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from the teeth. It is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

The process of professional teeth cleaning at Stonegate Family Dentistry typically involves the following steps:

1. Assessment:The dental hygienist or dentist will begin by examining your teeth and gums to assess your overall oral health and identify any signs of dental problems such as plaque buildup, tartar deposits, gum inflammation, or tooth decay.

2. Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized dental instruments such as scalers and curettes, the dental professional will carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas like between the teeth and along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing.

3. Teeth Polishing:After removing plaque and tartar, the dental professional will use a polishing paste and a rotating brush or rubber cup to polish the teeth and remove surface stains. This helps to smooth the tooth surfaces and make them more resistant to plaque buildup and staining.

4. Flossing:The dental professional will floss between the teeth to remove plaque and food particles from areas that may be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or scaler. Flossing helps to clean between the teeth and along the gumline, where plaque and bacteria can accumulate and lead to gum disease.

5. Fluoride Treatment (Optional):In some cases, the dental professional may apply a fluoride varnish or gel to the teeth to strengthen the tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for patients at higher risk of cavities, such as children, seniors, and individuals with dry mouth or a history of dental problems.

6. Oral Hygiene Instructions:The dental professional may provide personalized oral hygiene instructions and tips on how to maintain good oral health at home, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, the use of dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, and dietary recommendations for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Regular professional teeth cleanings, typically recommended every six months, are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing dental problems. In addition to professional cleanings, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and eating a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods. Call us to learn more.

3 Surprising (Hidden) Benefits of Teeth Cleaning

Check out these surprising benefits of good dental hygiene and regular teeth cleanings:

Frequent Tooth Brushing Could Lower Risk of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

The connection between high blood sugar levels and gum disease has long been established. People with diabetes have to take special care of their teeth since higher blood sugar can reduce blood supply to the gums and mouth. Diabetes can also cause dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay.

It wasn’t until recently, however, that good oral hygiene was linked to a lower risk of developing diabetes altogether.

A recent study from Korean government records showed that frequent tooth brushing might actually reduce a person’s risk of developing diabetes.

Per the study, individuals who brushed their teeth three times per day instead of the recommended two times had an 8% reduced risk of developing diabetes. Those who brushed twice per day had a 3% reduced risk of developing the disease.

Regular Teeth Cleanings Linked to Lower Risk of Cancer

Chronic periodontitis is a long-term infectious disease that causes inflammation in the gums. Perhaps unsurprisingly, individuals with chronic, severe gum disease are at higher risk of developing certain cancers.

According to a study by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, individuals suffering from severe periodontitis had a 24% increased risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, compared to those with only mild periodontitis or those with healthy teeth and gums.

In the study, severe gum disease was linked to an increased risk of colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer. This was true even for those patients who did not smoke.

Regular dental cleanings and exams can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist in Murfreesboro TN can also provide important education regarding dental hygiene.

Regular Dental Cleanings Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States. In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease is approximately 1 in 2 for men and 1 in 3 for women.

Fortunately, a recent study from the European Heart Journal suggests that good oral health may lower this risk.

The study followed nearly 250,000 healthy Korean adults over a 10-year period and found that those who underwent regular professional dental cleanings had a 14% lower risk for heart events than those who never went to the dentist. Additionally, individuals who brushed their teeth at least twice per day experienced a 9% decreased risk for experiencing heart events.

Dental Care at Stonegate Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN

Stonegate Family Dentistry is proud to specialize in dental exams, professional dental cleanings and patient education.

Contact Dentist in Murfreesboro TN today to learn more!