Brushing your teeth at home is essential, but it is never enough on its own. No matter how well you clean your teeth, your toothbrush can’t effectively reach every nook and cranny in your mouth. That’s why you should never skip routine dental cleanings. Your dental hygienist uses special tools and skills to remove plaque and tartar from even the hard-to-access areas of your mouth.

During your cleaning, we also polish your teeth with gritty toothpaste and a high-powered brush. This creates a smoother surface that shines and prevents unhealthy deposits from attaching. After your cleaning, we may also recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatment as an added protective layer.

Everyone needs a professional cleaning at least twice annually or sooner. However, sometimes a few signs tend to appear first, especially when you are not up to date with your dental check-ups.

Here are a few signs you should see your dental hygienist soon:

• Bleeding gums: Healthy gums should not bleed when brushing or flossing. If you notice blood spots when you apply pressure to your gums, that’s often an early red flag.
• Chronic bad breath: It’s natural to experience bad breath when you wake up in the morning or after certain meals, such as garlic fried rice. However, bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing could be a sign of deeper issues. A dental cleaning helps remove deep-seated plaque and tartar buildup to help you achieve lasting fresh breath.
• Visible tartar: Tartar often shows up as a yellow or brownish discoloration near the gumline. Once plaque hardens into tartar, brushing alone can’t remove it. Only a professional cleaning with the right tools can remove it.
• Surface stains: Do you notice dark or yellow stains on your teeth? Surface stains from coffee, red wine, tobacco, and other substances can build up over time. A dental cleaning can erase most stains, helping you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.
• Sensitive gums: Sensitive, swollen, or tender gums often indicate that inflammation has already set in. A dental cleaning removes the inflammation, preventing the problem from advancing.

Skipping routine dental cleanings causes plaque and tartar to keep building, which increases the risk of decay, gum disease, and other problems. What starts as a minor issue can turn into a much bigger, more expensive problem. Being consistent with dental cleanings means fewer surprises down the line.