I Brush and Floss Daily: Why Do I Need Professional Dental Cleanings?

Brushing and flossing your teeth are the pillars of at-home oral care, but they’re just the start when it comes to comprehensive dental care. Taking care of your teeth also means eating healthy foods and scheduling professional dental cleanings. 

The American Dental Association recommends adults and children schedule regular cleanings to help prevent issues or detect them as early as possible.

Dr. David Blaustein and the team here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City explain what dental cleanings involve and five reasons you need them 一 even if you brush and floss daily at home.

What to expect during a dental cleaning

A dental cleaning is a thorough examination of your mouth. The process typically includes:

• An inspection of your teeth and gums to identify areas of concern
• Removal of plaque and tartar with special tools, such as a dental scaler
• Teeth polishing 
• Fluoride treatment
• Oral cancer screening
• Dental X-rays

You also receive personalized advice on improving your oral hygiene practices at home. If you’re struggling with dental phobia, let us know. Our team offers several options to help make your cleaning as comfortable as possible.

5 reasons you need a professional dental cleaning

Professional dental cleanings: 

Help remove stubborn plaque and tartar 

Brushing and flossing effectively remove surface-level plaque. But, over time, you miss some areas. When that happens, plaque can harden into tartar that can’t be removed by regular oral care at home. 

Professional dental cleanings eliminate these stubborn deposits and prevent them from causing more serious issues like cavities and gum disease.

Help prevent gum disease

Plaque and tartar can irritate delicate gum tissue. That can lead to gum disease, a common dental problem with serious consequences if left untreated. Professional cleanings help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar that can cause inflammation and infection.

Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss, so address gum disease as early as possible. Your dental cleaning gives your Chelsea Dental Aesthetics hygienist and Dr. Blaustein a chance to look for the earliest signs of gum disease before it snowballs into a bigger problem.

Detect early signs of trouble

Regular dental cleanings aren’t just about cleaning your teeth; they’re also opportunities for Dr. Blaustein to examine your oral health thoroughly. He can detect early signs of problems such as cavities, oral cancer, jaw issues, and gum disease during these checkups.

Freshen your breath

Good oral hygiene at home can keep bad breath at bay, but professional cleanings go further. Dental cleanings target areas that may be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. By removing odor-causing plaque, your breath is fresher after professional cleanings.

Preserve the look and function of your smile

Your smile is a valuable asset, and professional dental cleanings play a role in preserving it. Regular cleanings help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral issues that could compromise the appearance and functionality of your teeth. 

Schedule your cleaning today

Whether you’re due for a cleaning or have questions about what to expect, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call our Manhattan office at 917-200-0219 or request your dental cleaning online today.