The Importance of Teeth Cleanings

Dental cleanings, sometimes called dental prophylaxis, are part of your comprehensive dental care and are among the American Dental Association’s oral health recommendations.

But have you ever wondered why these cleanings are so important? That’s just the question that Dr. David Blaustein aims to answer today. 

Understanding the importance of your teeth cleanings

When you receive a prophylactic cleaning here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, you receive these benefits:

1. Removal of plaque and tartar

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth; if left there, it can harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar increase your risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. 

During your cleaning, we remove built-up plaque and tartar. Not only does this help keep your mouth healthier, but removing plaque can also make your smile appear brighter since plaque and tartar are often yellowish in color.

2. Reduced risk of gum disease

As mentioned above, plaque and tartar that accumulate along your gum line can contribute to gum disease. When we remove plaque along your gum line, we also can spot the early signs of gum disease and treat it before it snowballs into a bigger problem. 

Treating gingivitis (the earliest form of gum disease) can help you avoid advanced periodontitis as well as tooth loss, a common complication of severe gum disease.

3. Catching problems early

Although the emphasis during your teeth cleaning is the cleaning itself, the appointment also gives us a chance to spot potential problems, such as:

• Broken fillings 
• Tooth decay
• Fractures or chips
• Oral cancer

Whether you’re dealing with a cavity or a suspicious oral lesion, early treatment helps prevent unwanted complications of untreated dental problems. 

For example, a small cavity may require a simple filling, but if a small cavity becomes a large cavity, you may need a root canal if your tooth nerves are affected by the decay. 

4. Improved heart health

When you think about your heart health, it’s easy to conjure images of exercising, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. But believe it or not, dental cleanings are part of the list of habits that support a healthy heart. 

People with gum disease have 2-3 times the risk of heart attack or stroke, and cleanings can help you avoid gum disease by removing harmful plaque and bacteria.

5. Fresher breath

Garlic and onions are notorious for causing less-than-pleasant breath, but bacteria, plaque, and even infections can create odors in your mouth too. Cleaning your teeth (and treating any infections) helps your breath stay fresh.

6. Chance to explore other services

During your dental exam and cleaning, you have one-on-one time to ask questions about your oral health and dental products 一 for example, are you using the best toothpaste for your needs? 一 as well as other services you may want to explore. 

Whether you want to professionally whiten your teeth or correct an overbite, we offer the treatments to help you reach all of your smile goals.

Are you due for a cleaning?

While many people do well with two cleanings per year, some individuals, especially those with gum disease, benefit from 3-4 cleanings each year. 

If you’re not sure if you’re on the right track, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Blaustein. To schedule your dental cleaning at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, call our Manhattan office or request your appointment online.