Why Dental Cleanings Matter Even When You Brush and Floss Well

Taking care of your teeth isn’t exactly a do-this-or-that thing. If you want the best for your smile, it means you need to brush and floss your teeth each and every day and pay a visit to your dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning.

Does that seem like a lot to manage? We promise, it’s really not. And by the time you are done reading this article, you’ll not only understand the importance of brushing and flossing plus making that dentist appointment twice a year, but you’ll wonder why it took you so long to take it all seriously in the first place.

What can’t brushing and flossing do?

Just because brushing and flossing aren’t the end-all, be-all when it comes to protecting your teeth, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do them. In fact, taking care of your teeth at home is your first line of defense against cavities, gum disease, and serious oral health concerns.

That’s why your dentist near Boise, ID, suggests that you take just a few minutes out of your day, twice a day, for some oral care. Brush your teeth after breakfast and again before bed for two minutes each time, using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Doing so can help remove the bacteria that build up on your teeth during the day.

But here’s the thing: It’s true that brushing and flossing alone won’t cut it. Plaque can still build up in hard-to-reach areas. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed completely, it can harden into tartar. Once tartar develops, no amount of brushing or flossing at home can remove it. Over time, this buildup can irritate your gums, increase your risk of cavities, and lead to more serious dental problems that often develop without any obvious symptoms.

What are the benefits of professional dental cleanings?

All those efforts you take at home to brush and floss do pay off. Even though that plaque builds up, those efforts keep things from getting worse. So, when you do your due diligence at home, the next step becomes much easier. And the next step is all about scheduling that dentist appointment every six months. It’s at this appointment that we can get to what you can’t.

During a professional dental cleaning, your dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove tartar and plaque from areas that are difficult to clean at home. Your teeth are then polished to remove surface stains, leaving your smile feeling fresh and clean.

So, let’s recap the benefits of professional dental cleanings so you can see why visiting your family dentist in Boise, ID, should be such a priority.

• Removing hardened plaque and tartar that cannot be cleaned away at home
• Helping reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease
• Keeping your gums healthier and your breath fresher
• Removing many surface stains from food and drinks
• Giving your smile a clean, polished feeling

Dental cleanings help catch problems early.

Clearly, as your dentist, we’re going to talk endlessly about the benefits of coming to see us twice a year. But getting your teeth squeaky clean isn’t the only thing that matters. When we see you often, we get to know your smile. We get to know your oral health. We get to know you. And this means we are far more likely to catch other issues before they get too serious.

Here are some of the things we look for during your bi-annual dental exam.

• Early signs of cavities before they become larger and more painful
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums that may point to gum disease
• Cracks, chips, or worn areas that could weaken a tooth over time
• Mouth sores or irritated areas that are not healing properly
• Signs of teeth grinding or clenching that may be affecting your smile
• Changes in your oral tissues that could be linked to oral cancer
• Existing dental work, such as fillings and crowns, to make sure everything is still in good shape

How often should you schedule a professional dental cleaning?

By now, you know the answer to this question: How often should you visit your dentist? You should come see us every six months. And the frequency isn’t really an arbitrary number. Cavities can form in just a few weeks to a few months. And when left unchecked, those cavities can turn into far worse enamel decay. When you see us frequently, we’re better able to keep things from getting that serious.

Home care and professional dental cleanings go hand in hand.

Our team at Staley Dental pulls out all the stops to help you feel comfortable when you’re in the dental chair. Our approach to family dentistry means your appointments are quick, comfortable, easy, and highly effective in keeping your smile in tip-top shape.

Are you due for your next cleaning? Has it been a while since you’ve been in to see us? Are you looking for your new dental home? These all seem like excellent reasons to get on our calendar today. And during your next appointment, we’ll chat with you about all the ways we can partner to protect you and your smile for the long haul.