The Truth About Dental Cleanings: Why Your Dentist Insists on Them

Regarding oral health, one of the most common and essential practices is regular dental cleanings. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a deep cleaning, professional cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing serious dental issues. As patients, you may wonder why the dentist insists on these cleanings and their real benefits. At The Glen Dental in San Jose, CA, we emphasize the importance of dental cleanings because of their long-term benefits for oral and overall health.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the truth about dental cleanings, why they matter, what happens if you skip them, and what to expect when visiting our dentist office in San Jose, CA. Plus, we’ll introduce you to the expert team of dentists at The Glen Dental, led by Dr. Hammad Shere, Dr. Misty Henne, and Dr. Aman Bhullar, all dedicated to helping you maintain optimal oral health.

What Are Dental Cleanings and Why Are They Important?

Dental cleanings, or prophylaxis, are professional services dental hygienists or dentists provide to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. This is necessary to maintain a healthy mouth, as plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth daily. Over time, if plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

The primary goals of dental cleanings are to:

1. Prevent Cavities: Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay. By removing plaque and tartar, dental cleanings help prevent cavities from forming.
2. Prevent Gum Disease: Plaque and tartar can cause gum inflammation and infection, leading to gum disease(gingivitis) or more severe periodontitis. Cleanings help to keep gums healthy and reduce the risk of these conditions.
3. Freshen Your Breath: Removing food particles and bacteria helps eliminate bad breath, leaving you with a cleaner mouth.
4. Maintain Overall Health: Oral health is linked to overall health. Regular cleanings help prevent issues that could potentially affect your heart, diabetes, and other areas of your body.

At The Glen Dental, we ensure that every patient understands the importance of these regular visits. It’s not just about having a bright, beautiful smile but also about preventing long-term health issues.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

When you visit our dentist office in San Jose, CA, for a cleaning, you can expect a thorough and professional service designed to keep your teeth and gums in top shape. The cleaning process typically involves the following steps:

1. Examination: Before the cleaning, our dentist or hygienist will examine your mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, or any other issues. X-rays may also be taken to check for hidden surface problems.
2. Scaling: Using specialized tools, our hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth and beneath the gumline. This is a crucial step, as tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss.
3. Polishing: After scaling, your teeth will be polished with a gritty paste to remove surface stains and smooth out the enamel.
4. Flossing: Flossing ensures plaque and debris are removed from areas that toothbrushes can’t reach, reducing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
5. Fluoride Treatment: In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.

5 Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

While brushing and flossing daily are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, they can’t do everything. There are several benefits to professional dental cleanings that you can’t replicate at home. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant advantages:

1. Prevention of Tooth Decay: One of the most important benefits of regular dental cleanings is the prevention of tooth decay. Plaque buildup is a major contributor to cavities, and cleanings help remove this harmful substance before it leads to problems.
2. Prevention of Gum Disease: Gum disease is a progressive condition that begins with gingivitis and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline, reducing the risk of gum disease.
3. Whiter Teeth: Regular cleanings help remove surface stains caused by food, drink, and tobacco. This can leave your teeth looking noticeably whiter and brighter.
4. Early Detection of Oral Health Problems: During a cleaning, our dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for any early signs of trouble, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Early detection can prevent more serious issues in the future.
5. Healthier Gums: Regular cleanings help remove plaque from the gumline, keeping your gums healthy and preventing swelling, redness, and bleeding. Healthy gums are essential for keeping your teeth secure and preventing tooth loss.

What Happens If You Skip Dental Cleanings?

While it may be tempting to skip dental cleanings due to time constraints, cost, or fear, the consequences of skipping these visits can be significant. Here’s what can happen if you neglect your dental cleanings:

1. Cavities and Tooth Decay: Plaque and tartar buildup that aren’t removed can lead to tooth decay. The longer you wait between cleanings, the more likely you are to develop cavities, which could require fillings or, in more severe cases, root canals.
2. Gum Disease: Skipping cleanings can lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a severe gum disease resulting in tooth loss. Periodontal disease is linked to other serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
3. Bad Breath: Plaque and tartar buildup can also lead to bad breath, affecting your confidence and social interactions. Regular cleanings keep your mouth fresh and free of unpleasant odors.
4. Increased Treatment Costs: If you neglect your cleanings, you may need more invasive and costly procedures, such as root canals, fillings, or even tooth extractions.
5. Overall Health Risks: Studies indicate a possible link between gum disease and systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, though further research is ongoing. Keeping your gums healthy reduces your risk of developing these serious conditions.

Meet the Dentists at The Glen Dental

At The Glen Dental, our team of experts is committed to providing exceptional care and making your dental experience as comfortable and practical as possible. Led by Dr. Hammad Shere, Dr. Misty Henne, and Dr. Aman Bhullar, our dentists have years of experience and are passionate about helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

Schedule a Visit for a Dental Cleaning Today

Dental cleanings are essential to maintaining a healthy smile and overall health. By regularly visiting our dentist in San Jose, CA, you can prevent various dental problems, from cavities to gum disease, and ensure that your teeth and gums remain in optimal condition. If you haven’t had your dental cleaning recently, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with the trusted team at The Glen Dental.

To learn more about our dental services or to schedule an appointment, contact our dentist office in San Jose, CA, today. Dr. Shere, Dr. Henne, and Dr. Bhullar are ready to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years!