Professional Teeth Cleaning: Why It Matters & When To Schedule

Do you really need to see the dentist for teeth cleanings twice per year? The short answer is “yes.” Teeth cleanings in Durham, NC from Max Dental Studio allow Dr. Mauro Nunes and our team to keep an eye on your gums and teeth, make sure your smile stays bright, and take action if they notice any oral health issues.

Want the long answer? Read on. We’ll discuss the benefits of routine cleanings, how often you should see the dentist, what happens if you start skipping your dental visits, and much more. You’ll learn everything you need to know about why dental cleanings at Max Dental Studio are so important.

Why Do I Need To Get A Professional Teeth Cleaning?

So, why do professional dental cleanings really matter? It’s a good question! There are lots of reasons why you need to see a dentist like Dr. Nunes for professional cleanings. Here are just a few of them!

You can’t clean your teeth as well as a dentist

First and foremost, professional teeth cleanings are necessary because you cannot clean your teeth as well as a dentist can. Even if you maintain great at-home oral hygiene, bacteria-filled plaque and tartar will begin to form on your teeth.

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Tartar is impossible to remove with routine brushing. But during a professional teeth cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will scrape it away and eliminate it from your teeth. In turn, this reduces your risk of common oral health issues.

Professional dental cleanings keep your smile bright

Tartar doesn't just raise your risk of gum disease and cavities. It also discolors your teeth. Tartar is usually yellowish-brown in color and can make you feel less confident in your smile. With routine cleanings at Max Dental Studio, you can eliminate plaque and smile proudly once again.

Teeth cleanings go hand-in-hand with oral exams

Oral exams are always part of each teeth cleaning at the dentist. During your visit, your oral hygienist and your dentist will both examine your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, infected teeth, tooth wear and tear, and even oral cancer.

Prevention is the best medicine

Since your dentist and hygienist will keep a close eye on your oral health during your visits, they will be able to notice signs of oral health issues and take action. For example, if your dentist notices signs of a cavity, it may be possible to reverse it with fluoride treatment and good at-home oral hygiene, eliminating the need for a filling.

How Often Should I Schedule My Teeth Cleanings?

A schedule of twice-yearly teeth cleanings is appropriate for most patients. This means you should be seeing Dr. Mauro Nunes for a cleaning about every six months. This is different for each patient, though. If you have a high risk of cavities and/or gum disease Dr. Nunes may recommend more frequent cleanings.

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Twice-yearly cleanings are also ideal for patients who have dental insurance. Almost all dental insurance policies cover 100% of the cost of two yearly cleanings and oral exams, along with a yearly set of X-rays. By seeing Dr. Nunes and the team at Max Dental Studio for professional dental cleanings twice per year, you’ll be making the most of your dental benefits.

Are Deep Teeth Cleanings Different From Regular Cleanings?

Yes. “Deep cleanings” are not the same thing as routine teeth cleanings. They are only required for patients with gum disease. Also called “scaling and root planing,” this procedure involves cleaning deeply between the teeth and gums to eliminate bacteria and the periodontal “pockets” where bacteria tend to collect.

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If you do have gum disease, you may need a deep cleaning to restore your gum health. After this, you may also need “periodontal maintenance” cleanings about every three months to keep oral bacteria under control and prevent your gum disease from getting worse.

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Deep cleanings are typically covered by dental insurance. Most plans cover between 50% and 80% of treatment, but this can vary based on your plan. At Max Dental Studio, we can help you understand your insurance plan and what it will cover.

What Happens If I Don’t Get Professional Teeth Cleanings?

Missing one cleaning probably won’t hurt you, especially if you take good care of your teeth and have a “tooth-healthy” lifestyle. But if you get in the habit of skipping cleanings and don’t see a dentist for a year, two years, or even longer, things can start to go wrong with your oral health.

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• Plaque and tartar buildup – When you don’t see a dentist for teeth cleanings, bacteria-filled plaque and tartar will continue to build up on your teeth. This discolors your teeth, raises your risk of oral health issues, and can even lead to bad breath (halitosis).
• Higher risk of cavities – If you don’t get professional teeth cleanings, you’ll have a much higher risk of cavities. Oral bacteria will continue to reproduce, consume food particles in your mouth, and excrete acid that can damage your enamel and cause cavities.
• Increased risk of gum disease – Along with a higher risk of cavities, skipping teeth cleanings raises your risk of gum disease. Bacteria-filled plaque and tartar will start to build up around the base of your teeth, eventually leading to gingivitis. Eventually, gingivitis could progress into gum disease and cause permanent damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone.
  
  
• You won’t catch oral health issues early – With routine six-month visits, it’s easy to catch oral health issues early. Routine cleanings and checkups dramatically reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, infected teeth, and even issues like oral cancer. If you don’t see a dentist regularly, you may not notice these issues until it’s too late to prevent them.

Overdue For A Cleaning? Book At Max Dental Studio Today!

Whether you’re new to the area, you’re looking for a new dentist, or you’re a few years overdue for a professional teeth cleaning in Durham, NC, Dr. Mauro Nunes and the team at Max Dental Studio. We offer judgment-free, patient-centered care in a relaxing environment, and can provide the expert care you need for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Give us a call at (919) 297-2778 or contact us online to schedule your first appointment.

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