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An estimated 15 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to fear or anxiety. While some of those fears are justified, most anxiety stems from fear of the unknown. Not knowing what will happen during the appointment can cause people to put off a visit to the dentist as long as possible. A routine teeth cleaning is nothing to feel anxious about, however, particularly if you know what to expect in advance.

Why Are Professional Teeth Cleanings So Important?

Healthy Mouth

Even if you brush and floss your teeth as directed, you are still at risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Unfortunately, standard toothbrushes and floss cannot reach every nook and cranny of your teeth, so while you may be able to remove most plaque — the sticky film that forms on your teeth after eating — you cannot remove it all. Over time, the plaque eats away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Along the gum line, it may harden into tartar, which can cause an infection in the gums known as periodontal disease. Seeing your dentist twice a year can protect your mouth from cavities and disease.

Healthy Body

Research has shown that inflammatory responses in the mouth and body are closely linked. As a result, people with periodontal disease have a higher risk of developing other conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice per year will not only prevent periodontal disease, but may also protect you from more serious health conditions.

What Does the Teeth Cleaning Process Entail?

The standard teeth cleaning process, known as prophylaxis, may take just 30 minutes to complete. It begins with a brief examination by the dental hygienist, who will look for visible signs of decay and disease, making a note of their findings for your dentist to review. Then they’ll begin by manually scraping away any plaque and tartar deposits that have accumulated on your teeth and along the gums.

dentistOnce those deposits have been eliminated, they’ll use an electric handpiece and a gritty toothpaste in a flavor of your choosing to polish all the surfaces of your teeth. To complete your prophylaxis, the dental hygienist will floss your teeth and then apply a fluoride treatment (if needed). Once the process is complete, your dentist will come in to conduct a full examination.

 

Delaying any dental treatments out of fear has serious consequences, as any symptoms or conditions may worsen over time. Scheduling teeth cleanings every six months with your dentist is a sure way to keep more serious oral health problems at bay. The dentists at Elm Dental Care make sure all their patients feel comfortable in their St. Charles, MO, dental office, whether they’re there for a cleaning or root canal. In addition to their preventive services, they also offer teeth whitening and dental implants. Visit them online for more information and call (636) 916-4848 to schedule an appointment.

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