There are numerous components to maintaining a healthy smile, from brushing and flossing daily to enjoying a healthy diet and staying hydrated. Seeing the local dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning should also be part of your dental care routine. Here's what you can enjoy when you get this service done regularly.

How a Routine Teeth Cleaning Benefits Your Oral Health

1. Helps Prevent Cavities 

Plaque is the sticky biofilm that forms on teeth. It releases decay-causing acids when it feeds on sugary food particles, destroying the protective tooth layer known as the enamel. Once it hardens, it turns into tartar, which increases the risk of cavities further. 

While daily brushing and flossing help remove bacteria, you’ll get a deeper clean when regularly visiting the dentist. During the appointment, they’ll carefully eliminate all plaque and tartar buildup to protect your smile.

2. Reduces Bad Breath Odors

Many mint products and mouthwashes do not kill the bacteria on your tongue or around the teeth. Instead, they temporarily mask the smell produced by the microbes. 

Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can indicate a larger health issue, but it is often due to poor oral hygiene. As plaque accumulates, it traps the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. You’ll enjoy fresher breath by eliminating the buildup with biannual professional cleanings.

3. Lowers Gum Disease Risk

Without plaque and tartar removal, the gums can become red, tender, and swollen. They also start to recede and create an unstable foundation for teeth, which eventually loosen and can fall out. These symptoms indicate gum disease, a dental health issue that cannot be reversed—only managed. 

Seeing the dentist twice a year helps the gums remain healthy. If they detect any problems with the soft tissues, they suggest other methods to address the concerns. For instance, they could recommend rinsing daily with an anti-tartar mouthwash. 

4. Whitens Your Teeth

A dental cleaning ends with removing surface stains through polishing, which leaves you with a brighter smile. Routine visits help the teeth stay white after they face various staining agents, such as highly-pigmented foods and beverages like blueberries or coffee. When fewer blemishes impact your smile’s appearance, you can expect a confidence boost.

Experience these benefits when visiting Bradley M. Stewart, DMD, in Olive Branch, MS, for your biannual teeth cleaning. For over 15 years, this dental practice has offered a wide range of services to help area residents maintain healthy, beautiful grins. From routine checkups to dental implants, they’ll provide expert care from a comforting environment. Call (662) 893-5800 today to make an appointment, and download a new patient form online before your visit.