What is the purpose of professional teeth cleaning in Bloomington, IL?

Teeth brushing is something we learn when we are very young. Most people also learn the importance of flossing while they are still a child. Ideally, the formation of these habits early in life will remain throughout adulthood, and oral health does not suffer. In reality, many adults experience the discomfort of a toothache or the inconvenience of gum disease. What is both fortunate and unfortunate about these dental problems is that they are preventable. Why experience tooth pain, gum recession, and possibly tooth loss if you don’t have to?

One of the ways in which dentists help their patients avoid the pain and cost of dental problems is with professional teeth cleaning services. In our Bloomington, IL dental practice, patients receive gentle, effective cleanings tailored to their needs from an experienced, friendly hygienist. “But I clean my teeth every single day” may be your thought about professional cleanings. While this may be the case, there are things that your hygienist can do that cannot be done at home.

One of the primary benefits of professional dental examinations is that your dentist has the instruments and experience to readily identify areas of concern, namely, plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky, colorless, odorless biofilm that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The results of plaque buildup, on the other hand, can become glaringly evident.

We are all susceptible to plaque due to the nature of the oral ecosystem. The saliva that keeps teeth and oral tissues moistened contains calcium. While calcium is an essential mineral for strong teeth, this substance can also build up. Additionally, the bacteria-containing biofilm of plaque is an ongoing problem due to the results of foods we eat and beverages we drink on a daily basis. The mouth requires a delicate balance in order to prevent plaque buildup, and this balance is easily thrown off by acidic or sugary foods.

The whole point of professional cleanings is to gently remove plaque so that the substance cannot harden into tartar on teeth and near the gums. Tartar is more difficult to remove, and this substance, like plaque, is a safe haven in which oral bacteria can colonize. Cleanings in our office, often referred to as prophy, are encouraged as a way to keep teeth and gums as healthy as possible through the removal of these harmful substances.

Your smile is in experienced hands at Eastland Dental Center. For more information on our services, contact our office today.