Regular cleanings by your dentist are key to maintaining perfect oral health. Though the routine checkup for your dental doctor is every six months, in some cases, there are several signs that necessitate seeing your dental doctor earlier than scheduled. Among them are these indicators that make it necessary for you to seek your dentist for cleaning:
Presence of Visible Tartar and Plaque Build Ups
One of the most notable warnings that require dental cleaning is the appearance of visible plaque and tartar build-ups on your teeth. Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that tends to form on the teeth regularly. Unless it is removed through brushing and flossing regularly, it could harden into the yellowish or brownish substance known as tartar.
If you find white or yellowish deposits on your teeth, especially in the gum lines or between them, then plaque formation is seen. Plaque dries out and hardens to become tartar. Now, this creates a darker-colored rough patch visible on the enamel. Such buildups affect your smile as well as raise your chances of dental caries and gum diseases.
Chronic Halitosis
Bad breath is normal if it occurs at times, but persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can indicate a dental problem. If your mouth feels fresh after brushing and flossing, but your breath is still bad, it is probably time to have a professional cleaning.
Greg Bryan DDS explains that bad breath is often caused by bacteria accumulating in your mouth, often from plaque and tartar. The bacteria produce sulfur compounds that result in an unpleasant odor. A dental cleaning by a skilled professional like Greg Bryan DDS can remove the bacteria, thereby refreshing your breath and ensuring your oral health is back on track.
Bleeding or Swollen Gums
You may be experiencing gum disease if your gums bleed when you brush or floss, or if they look red, swollen, or sensitive. Healthy gums should be firm and pink, not red or puffy.
Bleeding gums, on the other hand, have their cause associated with the deposits of plaque around the gum. It causes swelling in the gingiva, that is, gum inflammation. In this case, gingivitis is the very beginning of the disease. Thus, professional cleaning may remove these deposits of plaques and tartar causing gingivitis thereby reversing the process and preventing this early stage from going on to cause further advanced forms of gum diseases.
Dentin hypersensitivity:
If you are highly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet food and beverages, then you probably need dental cleaning. Sensitivity in the teeth is due to various factors: enamel erosion, gum recession, or the initial phases of tooth decay.
Some of these problems can be addressed with a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar, which may be contributing to sensitivity. Your dentist can also evaluate whether the sensitivity is a symptom of a more serious problem that needs additional treatment.
Discolored or Stained Teeth
Some degree of tooth discoloration is natural and occurs with age, but abrupt or intense changes in tooth color may be a sign to require cleaning. Surface stains on the teeth can be caused by certain types of food, drinks – such as coffee, tea, and red wine – and bad habits, like smoking.
Professional dental cleanings can remove many of these surface stains, restoring the natural color of your teeth. During the cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will use specialized tools to polish your teeth, removing stains and leaving your smile brighter.
It’s Been More Than Six Months Since Your Last Cleaning
Even if you feel that everything is fine, cleanings should still be done every six months. Schedule an appointment for a cleaning and examination if it’s been more than six months since your last visit.
Regular cleanings prevent or reduce the risks of dental issues before they start or become a serious problem. They enable the dentist to detect possible decay, gum disease, and other oral problems that you will not notice or identify on your own.
Changes in Your Mouth
Any unusual changes in your mouth should prompt a visit to the dentist. This may include sores, lumps, or rough spots on your gums, cheeks, or tongue. Although these are not always serious, they should be evaluated by a professional.
During a cleaning, your dentist will conduct an evaluation of your whole mouth, inspecting for any anomalies that may indicate serious health problems.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
If your teeth feel loose or appear to be shifting position, you need to make a dental appointment as soon as possible. This is a sign of advanced gum disease or other severe dental problems.
Professional cleaning and evaluation will help establish the cause of the problem to avoid further destruction or even the potential loss of teeth.
Craving Toothache
A severe toothache that lingers may indicate that there is something amiss and something has to be done about it, immediately. Even though dental cleaning may not cure the underlying reason for the ache, setting an appointment with a dentist allows your dentist to analyze the issue and advise what is best for the treatment.
Dry Mouth
If you have chronic dry mouth, this may indicate an underlying condition or be the result of a drug reaction. Saliva is necessary to neutralize acids and to help remove particles from your teeth that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Through a scheduled dental cleaning, your dentist will be able to examine what causes your dry mouth and can offer treatments and lifestyle changes to protect your oral health.
In a nutshell, even though six-month cleanings would be appropriate for most people, it would be important to pay attention to those signs that may demand more frequent visits. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular professional cleanings can help prevent many dental issues and contribute to your overall health and well-being. Remember, early intervention is key in preventing minor dental problems from becoming major issues, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you notice any of these signs.
