Have you ever noticed how healthy, beautiful, and vibrant someone’s smile looks, and wanted to have one that would make people do double takes? There are many reasons that you might want to consider scheduling regular dental cleanings, including helping avoid cavities, bad breath, discolored teeth, and more. In this article you’ll learn about the benefits of dental cleaning and polishing so you can schedule an appointment with your dentist right away!
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition in which the individual grinds their teeth during sleep. It is also known as nocturnal dental parafunctional activity. Bruxism can lead to soreness in the jaw muscles and damage to the teeth. Bruxism may be a result of stress, but it can also be caused by an overbite or an underbite.
Dental cleaning and polishing is a procedure that is typically performed by dentists or dental hygienists. It is recommended that you have your teeth cleaned at least every six months, with more frequent cleanings if you have gum disease or periodontal problems. During the procedure, plaque, tartar, stains and other deposits are removed from teeth to prevent tooth decay. You will be given some type of anesthesia before the process starts, in order to make it as comfortable as possible. Your gums will also be irrigated with a water-based solution containing an antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX). The dentist will use special instruments called curettes and scalers to remove any tartar that cannot be removed during brushing.
To properly clean your teeth, you need to follow a few steps. Firstly, you’ll want to brush your teeth for two minutes with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Next, you’ll need to floss the area in between your teeth by threading dental floss under the gumline and pulling it out from the other side. Finally, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining bacteria and food particles on your teeth.
main photo: unsplash.com/Caroline LM