Adult & Child Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
Adult & Child Teeth Cleaning
Teeth cleanings are essential not just for clean teeth, but a healthy mind and body as well. In a routine dental visit, there’s lots that people don’t know about. Here’s what you should know and what you should expect out of your next teeth cleaning.
Many people see the mouth as separate from the rest of their body, but the reality is that it’s all connected. Problems in your mouth can cause or even act as an indicator of disease in other parts of your body, such as dementia and heart disease. Teeth cleanings every six months are an essential part of keeping your mouth, and the rest of your body disease-free. Teeth cleanings remove the buildup of plaque and tartar which for the most part is natural, but too much could cause gum disease. A professional teeth cleaning is done by the hygienist at a dentist’s office. The hygienist uses tools to remove tartar from your teeth.
Why Teeth Cleanings Are Necessary
To prevent diseases in the rest of the body like heart disease, dementia, complications of diabetes and stroke.
To prevent tooth loss.
Family History
You might know if there is cancer or heart disease in your family in case your doctor asks — and gum disease family history is just as important. Find out what type of gum disease and how severe. There’s a strong genetic predilection for gum disease and this information can help your dentist with your teeth cleanings and overall care.
Antibiotics
We all have bacteria in our mouths and certain dental treatments can allow that bacteria to enter the bloodstream (called bacteremia). For most of us, this isn’t a problem. A healthy immune system prevents these bacteria from causing any harm. When you have a teeth cleaning, it is common for the bacteria that are in your mouth can get into the bloodstream after the procedure. This is very common, well-known, and safe — if you’re healthy. For certain groups of people, there is concern that this bacteremia could cause an infection elsewhere in the body. An antibiotic makes sure you cover all your bases. The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has set up standards of what health issues need an antibiotic for dental treatment.
Conclusion
Regular teeth cleanings twice a year are important to maintain your oral hygiene and keep you healthy. If you are a little nervous about your teeth cleaning, just know you have nothing to worry about. Our Idaho Falls dentistry takes pride in placing our patient’s comfort first as they receive a thorough teeth cleaning. You are in good hands! Make sure to schedule an appointment for your teeth cleaning today with Machen Family Dentistry.