There are many important reasons to get a professional cleaning at the dentist in Federal Way at least every six months. Professional cleanings are recommended for anyone, no matter their age, because preventive dental care is always the best care. However, there are some specific reasons why it is so important for certain people to see the dentist in Federal Way on a very regular basis.

Why Choose Dental Cleaning With the Dentist in Federal Way?

Someone who suffers from gum disease or who is at risk of developing it should receive professional teeth cleaning treatments more frequently than a person who does not. This is because periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and jaw bone that can quickly progress into a serious condition if it is not properly treated. While anyone can develop gum disease, those who may be more likely to be susceptible to it include pregnant women, people who suffer from diabetes, people with heart disease, and those who take medications that cause dry mouth. Patients over the age of 50 are also more likely to get gum disease and should be seen by their dentist regularly. Additionally, smokers are at a higher risk for gum disease than others. People who smoke cigarettes are much more likely to have red, swollen gums that bleed easily and are more likely to experience persistent bad breath as well. Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent the development of gum disease in a smoker.

Patients who wear braces also need to visit their dentist frequently. Braces make it easy for food to get stuck in between teeth and in places where brushing and flossing are difficult to reach. If food is left to sit for too long in these difficult-to-to-access spots, it can lead to cavities between the teeth. Additionally, if plaque is allowed to build up on the brackets and wires, it can harden and cause painful sores to develop around the orthodontic appliances. With frequent cleanings, patients can keep their teeth healthy and have an easier time keeping their braces clean as well.

How Does Dental Hygiene Help Prevent Dental Problems?

Regular dental cleanings are important because they remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that causes tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Tartar is hardened plaque that accumulates over time. Both of these substances can only be removed with professional dental instruments.

Without regular dental cleanings, plaque and tartar will accumulate and cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. Although brushing twice a day with a high-quality toothbrush should remove plaque from the surface of your teeth, toothbrushes cannot reach into the spaces between your teeth or below the gum line. This is where hardened plaque can build up, leading to decay and disease.

If left untreated, plaque and tartar will continue to gather, causing cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. The only way to prevent these issues associated with the buildup of plaque and tartar is to see your dentist in Federal Way for regular cleanings and checkups.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning in Federal Way?

During a dental cleaning, our dentist in Federal Way will clean your teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. The dentist will also polish the teeth to make them shiny and smooth. They may also apply fluoride to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.

Dental cleanings should be performed every six months or as recommended by your dentist in Federal Way. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have signs of gum disease. These cleanings are vital to prevent periodontal disease and to keep your smile healthy! At Marine Hills Dentistry, we offer a variety of preventive dentistry treatments to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for life. We would love to help you improve your dental health with our comprehensive general, restorative and cosmetic dental services.

To learn more about dental cleaning, contact the dentist in Federal Way, WA, at Marine Hills Dentistry by calling (253) 839-2800 or visiting us at 1500 S Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA, 98003.