Why Do I Need Teeth Cleaning If I Brush My Teeth Every Day?

Brushing your teeth daily is the foundation of good oral hygiene — but did you know that it’s not enough to keep your mouth completely healthy? Professional teeth cleanings are essential to your dental care routine because they provide benefits that at-home oral hygiene simply can’t match.

Aditi Saxena, DDS, Deepal Patel, DMD, and our team at Austin Advanced Dentistry specialize in teeth cleanings. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, convenient care to help you achieve your healthiest smile.

So, let’s explore why professional dental cleanings are necessary, even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing.

Why brushing your teeth isn’t enough for optimal oral health

Brushing your teeth removes surface-level plaque and food debris from the surfaces of your teeth. But brushing alone doesn’t reach every part of your mouth, no matter how diligent you are.

Hard-to-reach areas, like the spots between your teeth and below your gum line, also accumulate plaque. That plaque isn’t easily removed by brushing and can harden into tartar over time. Tartar can’t be removed with a toothbrush, so specialized dental tools are required to eliminate it.

Plus, even the most conscientious brushers can miss microscopic bacteria contributing to gum disease and cavities. A professional cleaning addresses all those hard-to-reach spots and overall bacteria in your mouth, which helps prevent small issues from becoming major dental problems.

The risks of skipping professional teeth cleanings

Even if you brush your teeth every day, skipping teeth cleanings can increase your risk for several oral health problems, like:

• Cavities: Plaque left behind in hard-to-reach areas can erode enamel and cause cavities
• Gum disease: Tartar buildup below your gum line can lead to gingivitis or more severe periodontal disease
• Bad breath: Persistent bad breath often stems from bacteria and plaque that only professional cleaning can fully remove

By keeping up with regular cleanings, you reduce your risk of these issues and maintain a healthier smile.

How professional cleanings support healthier smiles

Professional teeth cleanings go beyond what your toothbrush and floss can achieve. Our team offers comprehensive evaluations and cleanings, and we tailor your treatment to meet your needs. Here’s what your teeth cleanings might include:

Plaque and tartar removal

Your hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and stubborn tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Deep cleaning

We use professional tools to safely clean beneath your gum line to reduce inflammation and prevent periodontal disease.

Polishing

After cleaning, we polish your teeth to help remove surface stains and make your smile look brighter and smoother.

Comprehensive check-up

Your cleaning appointment also includes a dental exam to identify potential issues in their early stages, like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer.

The bottom line

Brushing and flossing daily are essential for a healthy smile, but they’re only part of the equation. Professional teeth cleanings complement your at-home routine by addressing the areas and concerns your toothbrush can’t just reach.

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Call our Austin, Texas, office at 512-886-6734 or request an online appointment.