Routine dental cleanings every 6 months are a cornerstone of preventive dental care. While brushing and flossing at home are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, professional cleanings provide a deeper level of care that is crucial to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. But why the 6-month suggestion? Amongst other reasons, this timing allows our Southgate, MI, dentists to prevent certain issues and catch problems early before they require more extensive treatment.

Here’s what you need to know about the recommended frequency of teeth cleanings.

Removing Plaque and Tartar Buildup

No matter how diligent you are with your oral hygiene routine, some areas in your mouth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. Over time, plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which cannot be removed by brushing alone. Tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which are serious threats to your oral health.

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Regular cleanings allow our hygienists to remove both plaque and tartar, especially from those hard-to-reach areas. This cleaning reduces the risk of cavities and prevents bacteria from spreading beneath the gum line, which can lead to gum disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a major concern in adult dental health. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, causes inflammation, bleeding, and irritation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss and damage to the bone that supports your teeth.

Receiving a cleaning is a key defense against gum disease. During a cleaning, dental hygienists not only remove tartar and plaque but also look for early signs of gum disease. Early detection allows for less invasive treatment, such as a deep cleaning, to prevent the condition from worsening.

Catching Problems Early

Another benefit of biannual dental cleanings is that they give our dentists the opportunity to catch dental problems early. Many issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer, can be difficult to detect on your own in the early stages. During a professional cleaning, our dentists examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, infection, or other issues that may not be causing symptoms yet.

By identifying these problems early, we can recommend treatment before they become more serious, costly, or painful. For instance, catching a cavity early can prevent the need for more extensive treatments like root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

Maintaining Fresh Breath and a Bright Smile

One often overlooked benefit of regular cleanings is their contribution to fresh breath and a brighter smile. Tartar buildup and bacteria in the mouth can lead to persistent bad breath (halitosis). A professional cleaning removes these bacteria and plaque, helping you maintain fresh breath.

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In addition, the polishing step of a dental cleaning removes surface stains from your teeth, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. While teeth cleanings aren’t a substitute for teeth whitening, they can help keep your teeth looking their best by eliminating stains from coffee, tea, or other foods and beverages.

Supporting Preventive Measures Like Dental Sealants

For those prone to cavities, especially children and teenagers, dental sealants are an excellent preventive measure. Sealants are thin, protective coatings painlessly applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent decay. While sealants are highly effective, regular cleanings are still essential to monitor the condition of the sealants and ensure they remain intact. 

Call to Schedule a Cleaning

Our dentists in Southgate, MI, don’t want you to only think of cleanings as a chore—they are a vital part of preventive dental care that helps keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Call Northline Dental at (734) 284-8088 today to request an appointment.