One of the most effective and easiest ways to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile is to have your teeth professionally cleaned several times during the year. Everett dentists recommend at least two professional cleanings per year, and more if you are susceptible to gum disease. In-office cleaning is a relatively painless procedure, which ensures that your gums and teeth are free of bacteria and plaque, which can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other health issues.

Here are the most important things you should know about professional teeth cleaning and why it is important to maintain good health:

1. What is professional teeth cleaning?

Professional (in- office) teeth cleaning is a relatively fast and easy dental procedure, performed by your Everett dentist or hygienist. The procedure involves the usage of dental tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth — both above and below where the gum meets the tooth.

2. Gum disease can lead to serious health conditions

Numerous studies have suggested that the bacteria, which cause gum disease, migrate into the blood vessels and cause inflammation. This in turn can lead to cardiovascular diseases, like high blood pressure or even heart stroke.

Researches also show that poor oral health may play a significant role in many chronic diseases, like diabetes. Even rheumatoid arthritis may have ties to your mouth. Cleaning teeth regularly could be the key to protecting your heart and preventing serious disease.

3. 3. Proper teeth cleaning prevents gum disease

Regular and proper teeth cleaning is essential for preventing gum disease, which can affect not only your looks, but also your health.  Gum disease can lead to both loss of teeth and loss of bone in your jaw and is a condition that people can suffer from without even realizing. Good dental hygiene and regular brushing and flossing is the first thing to keep in mind, but professional dental cleaning is also essential, as it is much more thorough and removes harmful bacteria that you simply can’t remove yourself.

4. How is professional teeth cleaning performed?

Professional teeth cleaning is a relatively easy dental procedure, which includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated. The cleaning treatment involves the usage of various instruments, like:

• Ultrasonic cleaner

The ultrasonic cleaner breaks down plaque and washes away any residue or debris around the teeth. It operates at different vibrations and can be connected to a water spray to clean the treatment area.

• Scalers

Periodontal scalers are used to scrape tartar off the surface of the teeth.

• Polishers

Polishers work to buff and smooth the surface of the teeth and are pain-free.

• Fluoride treatment

Your Everett dentist could recommend finishing the cleaning of your teeth with the application of a fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth and is applied right after cleaning to ensure maximum absorption.

5. Don’t forget about your oral hygiene at home

Even if you visit your Everett dentist on a regular basis, your oral hygiene at home is critical. Make sure to:

• Brush and floss your teeth after meals, or at least twice per day
• Keep a healthy diet, rich in vegetables
• Avoid agents, which can affect negatively your smile, like tobacco, coffee and alcohol
• Make an appointment with your Everett dentist for every three months, if you have gum disease, or every six months, if you don’t have gum disease and are just maintaining good health.