Spring Clean Your Teeth with a Professional Cleaning to Prevent Future Problems

The American Dental Association recommends that you receive two dental exams and professional cleanings per year. During your cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed and your teeth are polished with a gritty paste. A professional cleaning is much more than just a polish, though. You also receive a thorough exam, a fluoride treatment, screenings, and the chance to speak one-on-one with your dentist. At Westlake Smile Studio in Westlake Village, California, Dr. Mimi Theerathada knows that professional cleanings do more than just spruce up your mouth — they can prevent future problems too. Add teeth cleaning to your spring to-do list and reap these benefits.

Problems that dental cleanings help avoid

Professional cleanings don’t just freshen up your breath. Routine cleanings help keep your mouth healthy.

Prevent cavities

Plaque is a sticky film that develops on your teeth, and it contains acid-producing bacteria. When plaque isn’t removed, the acid can eat away at your enamel, contributing to decay. During a cleaning, plaque is removed from your teeth, especially those hard-to-reach areas. When plaque is removed, there’s a smaller chance that you develop a cavity. Cavities can cause pain, but untreated cavities can progress and increase your risk of infections.

Reduce your risk of gum disease

Not only does plaque removal decrease your risk of tooth decay, it also helps reduce your risk of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious oral condition that can lead to tooth loss. When plaque builds up, it can irritate your gums and cause inflammation. A dental cleaning can remove plaque before it gets to this level and prevent it from extending farther down your tooth. If you already have signs of gum disease — gingivitis is the first sign of gum disease — a dental cleaning can give Dr. Theerathada a chance to treat gum disease before it gets worse.

Reduce your risk of tooth loss

When gum disease is advanced, it can affect the integrity of your jawbone and cause permanent teeth to become wiggly or even fall out. When you prevent gum disease — or treat it — you reduce the risk of losing your teeth.

Catch oral cancer early

Not only does a dental cleaning help prevent problems like decay or gum disease, but it can help you detect others like oral cancer. During a cleaning, oral cancer screenings can help you pinpoint potential problems while they’re still small and more easily treatable. Recent studies show that dental cleanings can also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have found a link between oral bacteria (P. gingivalis) and cognitive function.

Ready to schedule your next cleaning?

At Westlake Smile Studio, we offer comprehensive dental care, including preventive services. Dental cleanings are the perfect opportunity to explore other ways you can pamper your smile this spring. From Invisalign® to professional whitening treatments, we offer services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. To request an appointment, give our Westlake Village clinic a call. You can also reserve your appointment now with our online scheduling tool.