Getting a dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. However, it can be difficult to know how often to get one done. Most general dentists recommend dental cleanings twice a year, but there are certain signs to be aware of that can indicate a need for them more frequently.
Outlined below are a few signs that indicate a need for a dental cleaning. When unsure, it can be helpful to review the following information.
Plaque and tartar are dangerous to the teeth and gums. Thankfully, they can often be identified. Plaque may appear as a white or yellow film. Tartar, on the other hand, typically appears white and hard. It sits right above the gum line and is often very difficult to remove at home. Both plaque and tartar are signs that a dental cleaning is needed.
Any spots or areas on the teeth that are dark indicate a need for a dental cleaning. Discoloration usually indicates a cavity or decay, both of which require the attention of a general dentist. In some scenarios, these spots may be harmless and only require a dental cleaning. However, there are times when spots require more in-depth treatment, such as a filling, dental crown, or bonding procedure.
Unfortunately, the teeth are prone to staining. Heavily dyed foods and beverages can leave the teeth looking yellow, which is not ideal for anyone. When the teeth start to look yellow or stained, it is usually an indicator that a dental cleaning is necessary. Cleanings alone do not remove stains; however, they can help avoid the long-term buildup of stains.
Another sign that a dental cleaning is necessary is bad breath or a foul odor in the mouth. Oftentimes, bad breath is an indicator that the teeth have buildup behind them or beneath the gums. When there is any sort of buildup, it is usually a result of a long-term lack of oral hygiene, which means a dental cleaning is in order.
In some scenarios, a dental cleaning alone may not tackle the bad breath. In this case, further exploration and treatment may be required.
Any pain, discomfort, or soreness in the gums or teeth indicates a need for a dental cleaning. More often than not, discomfort indicates a cavity; however, in some cases it may just be a sign that the teeth need to be cleaned. Plaque and tartar that build up on the teeth or along the gum lines can put pressure on the nerves, which may result in discomfort. The pressure can be relieved through a dental cleaning with a general dentist.
When experiencing any of the signs listed above, it is necessary to get a dental cleaning right away. Dental cleanings can improve oral health and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with a dental cleaning appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://shdentalva.com or call Safe Harbor Dental at (757) 333-0087 for an appointment in our Chesapeake office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning in Chesapeake, VA.
Practicing preventive dentistry strategies can help you avoid serious dental problems. It can support your personal goals in keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Prevention is always better than going through treatments for serious dental problems. If you want to know how preventive dentistry can avoid the development of a serious oral problem, here are…
The goal of preventive dentistry is to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy in order to reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health concerns developing. It is a good idea to have a full understanding of how preventive dentistry can protect your smile and what services a dentist may recommend for cavity…
Preventative dental care is important for all patients, but those who live with a chronic health condition should consider regular dental visits even more often. Although many have heard this before, it is helpful to understand exactly why this is the case and what might take place during a visit for preventive dental care.Oral health…
A dental cleaning is an essential part of general dentistry care for individuals of all ages, including toddlers. Many parents are under the impression that toddlers do not need a dental cleaning because their teeth will eventually fall out, but this is far from true.Dental cleanings should be undergone on a regular basis, no matter…
The best way to stop oral cancer is by undergoing regular oral cancer screening during…
When a filling begins to fail, the first sign is typically that it starts to…
Anyone considering implant supported dentures should take time to learn about the procedure. This includes…
Extractions are typically recommended when other options are not enough to solve a patient’s problems.
A root canal treatment can restore a severely decayed or damaged tooth. This invasive procedure…
Having toddlers see a general dentist regularly helps ensure that their teeth remain clean and…
