As part of a well-rounded dental care routine, you must brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss regularly. However, these efforts are negated if you don’t visit the dentist routinely. Here’s how scheduling a dental cleaning every six months ensures that your teeth and gums are in the best possible health.

3 Reasons to Regularly Get a Dental Cleaning

1. Get an Evaluation

A dental provider can check on the condition of your teeth and gums every time they perform a cleaning. During the service, they’ll assess your mouth for signs of serious problems, such as gum disease and inflammation. 

Often, a dentist can detect minor issues before they become larger, more concerning problems that affect your long-term dental health. They can then provide valuable tips to reverse symptoms and potentially avoid oral issues, like periodontal disease and discomfort.

2. Learn to Floss

As one of the final cleaning steps, a dentist or hygienist will thoroughly floss between the teeth to remove any lingering debris. During this process, you can learn the most effective flossing method. 

Knowing the proper technique is especially helpful for those who have tightly spaced teeth or occasionally bleed when performing this task. The latter situation is normal, but a professional can determine the precise reason it occurs while helping improve your flossing habits.

3. Remove Harmful Tartar

Dental cleaning helps eliminate the plaque and tartar that eventually lead to issues like decay and gum disease. Even the most ardent brushing and flossing enthusiast can miss a spot occasionally, making certain parts of the mouth more vulnerable to these problems. 

A provider will scrape away the plaque using a scaling tool, then check for evidence of tartar resulting from excessive plaque buildup. Since that’s the primary cause of cavity formation and gingivitis, they’ll remove the substance during the appointment to ensure your teeth are healthy.

When it’s time for your regular dental cleaning, visit Stephen R. Ho, DDS, in Honolulu, HI. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Ho has offered patients a range of services to ensure the long-term health of their teeth and gums, from dental exams and fluoride treatments to crowns and porcelain veneers. Visit the website for more information on what occurs during your dental cleaning, and call (808) 949-4288 to schedule an appointment.