Professional dental cleanings play a very important role in keeping your teeth healthy. Brushing and flossing daily is a must, but even with a proper oral hygiene routine, you will still need to visit your dentist for regular cleanings.
Some people avoid these appointments because they think dental cleanings can harm their teeth, but if you visit a professional and reputable dentist, you will not experience any damage to your teeth. You may experience some discomfort if you have not been to cleaning in a while, but it is a myth that dental cleanings will damage your teeth, and you cannot let this information keep you from seeing a dentist.
In fact, dental cleanings are necessary and must be part of your oral hygiene routine. Dentists and hygienists use special tools and techniques to provide you with a deep clean and will make sure there are no signs that are concerning. Brushing and flossing every day will help you maintain a healthy smile, but this is not enough, as your toothbrush can’t always completely remove plaque, especially from hard-to-reach areas. Regular dental cleanings completed by a professional will provide your teeth with a thorough cleaning and will help lower the chances of cavities.
The following are common myths that lead some people to believe dental cleanings are harmful to teeth. We’ve also included the right information to ensure you do not miss out on future dental appointments.
Myth #1: Dental Cleanings Can Weaken Tooth Enamel
Dental scaling is a process during which the dental hygienist uses metal instruments to scrape and scratch off tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth. They may need to scrape vigorously if there is a hard layer of plaque, and some patients believe this procedure will scrape away the hard enamel on the outside of the tooth.
Tooth enamel is very strong and cannot be chipped or scratched during a regular cleaning.
Myth #2: Harsh Chemicals Are Used During Dental Cleanings
Only two products are generally used during a regular dental cleaning, including tooth polish and fluoride rinse or varnish. Both of these are safe and will not damage your teeth. The polish used by your dental hygienist may feel gritty and act like sandpaper but rest assured it is only scrubbing away the plaque that was not removed during scaling. This polish will also help whiten teeth by removing surface stains left behind because of red wine or coffee, for example. Tooth polish is not strong enough to break through the enamel, and fluoride is also safe and effective at fighting tooth decay which is why it is used during dental cleanings.
Myth #3: Teeth Feel Damaged After a Cleaning
It’s very normal for your teeth to feel different after a professional cleaning, but this does not mean they are damaged. They may feel very smooth from the polishing, and it’s also possible for your teeth and gums to feel sensitive if the hygienist has to scrape very hard to remove all of the plaque. These feelings are very common and should not last very long.
It’s also possible for a patient’s gums to bleed during cleaning, and this, too, is normal, especially if you do not floss regularly at home. This is not a sign that your teeth and gums have been damaged and is the result of your mouth feeling something it is not used to.
If you feel a gap between your teeth after your cleaning, it does not mean your enamel is damaged because the tools used by a dentist or dental hygienist will not chip away at the enamel. These gaps are actually the result of the removal of plaque buildup between your teeth that the hygienist removed.
The Importance of Professional Dental Cleanings
You cannot let false information keep you from professional dental cleanings because your oral health is directly linked to your overall health, and these cleanings must be part of your oral hygiene routine. When a dental cleaning is performed by a professional at the dentist’s office, it is perfectly safe, and patients do not have to worry. These cleanings will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and will reduce the chance of cavities.
A dentist will also be able to detect problems while they are still minor if you attend regular cleanings and will apply the best treatment before the issue becomes painful or serious.
Conclusion
Is it time to schedule a dental cleaning? Tavistock Family Dentistry can help you schedule your next appointment. We will discuss your concerns and answer your questions regarding our cleaning process and what you can expect. We use gentle techniques and tools and will do everything we can to make your experience a positive one.
If you are looking for a dentist near you in Tavistock, we are one phone call away. We will further discuss the benefits of dental teeth cleanings, and if you need an emergency dentist in the area or are ready to come in for a cleaning, contact us today!
