Everyone knows they should brush their teeth at least twice a day, but did you know that you should also be flossing and getting your teeth cleaned by a professional at least once a year? Teeth cleaning is an integral part of oral hygiene, and there are many benefits to keeping your pearly whites clean and sparkling.
First and foremost, teeth cleaning helps to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove and can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. In addition to removing plaque and tartar, professional teeth cleanings can also help to polish your teeth and make them look their best.
Here’s a look at just a few of them.
Prevents Cavities and Tooth Decay
One of the most important reasons to keep your teeth clean is to prevent cavities and tooth decay. When plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, it creates an acidic environment that can damage your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings can remove plaque and tartar before they have a chance to cause any damage.
Another important reason to keep your teeth clean is to prevent gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. When plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, it creates an environment where bacteria can thrive. This bacteria can cause your gums to become inflamed and infected. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings can remove plaque and tartar before they have a chance to cause any damage.
Keeping your teeth clean can help you maintain good overall health. Studies have shown a link between oral health and overall health. For example, people with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease. Therefore, keeping your teeth clean can help reduce your risk of other health problems.
Freshens Your Breath
If you’ve ever had someone tell you that you have bad breath, you know how embarrassing it can be. Fortunately, one of the side effects of good oral hygiene is fresher breath. When you brush and floss regularly, you remove the food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. A professional teeth cleaning can also help get rid of any built-up plaque and tartar that may be contributing to bad breath.
In addition to good oral hygiene, there are other things you can do to freshen your breath. For instance, try chewing sugar-free gum or mints after meals to help mask any lingering odors. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and wash away any bacteria causing bad breath. And avoid smoking or using other tobacco products, as they can contribute to dry mouth and bad breath. If you’re still struggling with bad breath, talk to your dentist or doctor to see if there might be an underlying medical condition causing it. Treating the underlying issue can often help freshen your breath.
Bad breath, called halitosis, can be embarrassing and make you self-conscious. But it’s a common problem that often has an easy solution. Follow these tips to help banish bad breath and keep your mouth healthy and fresh.
Good oral hygiene is the first line of defense against bad breath. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. A tongue scraper can also help remove bacteria that cause bad breath. Be sure to brush your tongue (or scrape it) when you brush your teeth.
Maintains Your Overall Health
Good oral hygiene isn’t just important for your mouth and overall health. Studies have shown a link between poor oral health and several chronic conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Keeping your teeth clean can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
You can do a few simple things to maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly. Brushing your teeth removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease if it isn’t removed. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth, which a toothbrush can’t reach. And seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups can help prevent problems before they start.
Ask your dentist if you have questions about how to care for your teeth or what products to use. They can give you personalized advice to help keep your smile healthy and bright.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are many good reasons to make sure you brush, floss, and get your teeth cleaned regularly. Call your dentist today to schedule an appointment if it’s been a while since your last cleaning.
Aria Dental is a full-service dentist in San Antonio, offering everything from teeth cleanings and fillings to more complex procedures like veneers, implants, and crowns. No matter what your dental needs are, Aria Dental can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
