The flowers are blooming and the sun is shining - the PNW hits differently when spring is around the corner. I love this time of year...and just like spring cleaning your house - it is also important to make sure you are up to date on your dental cleanings!
Every year as a kid we would truly reset the house come spring time- clean the baseboards, clean the blinds, and get into all the nooks and crannies. Not only did this make regular cleaning easier, it also set us up for success in other aspects of our lives.
What Does Dental Research Tell Us?
Research has shown that routine dental cleanings are the basis of maintaining your oral health. That makes total sense. When you come in routinely, we are able to remove bacteria and plaque before it hardens. Once deposits of bacteria solidify on your teeth, you are more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Plus, solidified bacteria (commonly referred to as calculus and tartar) increases the difficulty of your dental cleanings and sometimes increases discomfort levels.
We hear it all the time : "I hate the scraping, or "your pinching my gums with the pick" or "my gums are bleeding".
And it is true - some cleanings are harder than others and some are easier.
Patients that come in more routinely are able to maintain their oral health at home which then leads to a less intensive cleaning when at the office.
So Why Are We Talking About Spring Cleaning?
Well, just like spring cleaning - it is good to get on a schedule and maintain the cleanliness of your mouth.
Your toothbrush (whether it is electric or manual) can only do so much. And what I mean by that, is tooth brushes are not able to complete the full job. They just don't clean deep enough.
Remember the blog post we talked about pocket depths? (If not click here). Well, "healthy" pockets range from 1-3 millimeters and that is about the extent a toothbrush bristle is able to reach. Take a look at the image below.
This image shows a toothbrush cleaning a tooth and its relationship to the gums. Notice how there is bacteria between the gums and tooth (the image notes this as 'periodontal pocket' -this is where the bacteria is!). Also notice how the bristles of the toothbrush are not able to reach down and remove all the bacteria.
Okay So Now What?
I feel like you know where this is going.
Maintain those dental hygiene appointments!!!!
Your routine dental cleanings - whether they are every 3, 4, or 6 months...are where we can remove the hard calculus. AND we are able to remove the bacteria and plaque your toothbrush is not able to reach.
The reason this is important is because bacteria that is left in the mouth long enough will start to eat away at your gums and bone. We hate this - and I am sure you do to. This is where a "regular" cleaning can turn into a "deep cleaning". (read more about the difference in our previous blog post - Click Here).
Conclusion
So, too long...didn't read. Don't worry - I gotchu.
- Research has shown that routine dental cleanings prevent oral disease.
- The maximum amount of time you want to wait between dental cleanings is 6 months.
- Your toothbrush alone cannot reach all the plaque and bacteria - thus you need your lovely dental hygienists.
- Allowing your cleanings to lapse poses you to risks of needing deeper cleanings in the future.
- So, just like spring cleaning your house - jump back into your oral health routine and back onto our hygiene schedule!
- YOUR MOUTH WILL THANK YOU.
As always we love to hear from you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us through our website via the "ask a dental question" button or DM us on Instagram at YourDailyDoseOfDental. Thank you for your interest in your health and happy spring cleaning!
