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Teeth cleanings are an important part of your dental care routine. Cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth. Professional cleaning also polishes your teeth, making them appear bright and healthy.

What is Professional Teeth Cleaning?

A professional cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a thorough procedure that is done at the dentist’s office. It involves a special tool that can gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Our dentist in Albuquerque will also scrape away any plaque and tartar buildup on the roots of your teeth to ensure your gums are as healthy as possible. Typically, this is recommended at least twice a year. However, if you have advanced periodontal disease, you may need to have a deep cleaning more frequently than every six months. In some cases, patients may even need to have a deep cleaning three to four times a year.

Scaling and root planning is an important part of your dental care routine because it can help you maintain better oral health and prevent the development of gum disease. By removing the plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth every day, you can keep your smile healthier for longer. Additionally, by scraping away the plaque and tartar on your roots, you can prevent gum recession and the teeth and tissue loss that often results from it. This can allow you to protect the overall health of your smile.

Why Is Professional Teeth Cleaning Important?

Professional teeth cleaning and regular at-home care both play an important role in keeping your mouth clean and healthy, but professional cleaning offers benefits that brushing and flossing alone can’t provide.

When you come in for a cleaning every six months under the care of an experienced dentist, you’re also getting a thorough exam. That means your dentist can check for signs of oral cancer or gum disease that may be invisible to you or your partner at home. The dentist will also use a special instrument called an explorer to check for cavities that may be difficult to see with the naked eye.

How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning?

The American Dental Association recommends having your teeth cleaned twice per year to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease. When you have a professional cleaning, your dental hygienist has an opportunity to remove built-up plaque and polish away stains. This helps keep your smile healthy by reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and more.

Some dentists recommend having a professional cleaning once every six months. However, if you experience a lot of tartar buildup or suffer from periodontal disease, you may need to have more frequent cleanings. Talk to your dentist about your unique oral health needs and how often you should have your teeth professionally cleaned.

To learn more about the dental procedures offered by Osuna Dental Care, call us at (505) 884-1989 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Dr NE suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109.