At London Road Dental, we often hear patients ask if a professional cleaning is truly necessary every six months if they brush and floss diligently at home. The short answer is yes. While your home routine is the first line of defense, professional dental cleanings are the only way to effectively prevent and manage gum disease.
As a staple of the Lethbridge community since 1979, we have seen firsthand how proactive care saves teeth and prevents complex health issues. Here is a look at the relationship between professional cleanings and the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease.
The Silent Progression: Plaque to Tartar
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.
- Plaque Formation: When you eat, bacteria in your mouth interact with starches and sugars to create plaque. This can be removed with brushing and flossing.
- Tartar (Calculus) Development: If plaque remains on the teeth for more than 24 to 72 hours, it hardens into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
- Gingivitis: Tartar acts as a reservoir for bacteria right against the gum line, leading to inflammation known as gingivitis. This is the earliest stage of gum disease.
Professional cleanings involve a process called scaling, where dental hygienists use specialized tools to remove tartar from both above and below the gum line, stopping this progression in its tracks.
How Cleanings Protect Your Health
Gum disease is not just about your mouth. Modern dental research has established a clear link between periodontal health and your overall systemic well-being.
- Preventing Bone Loss: If left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis. At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating "pockets" that become infected. This infection eventually breaks down the bone that supports your teeth.
- Systemic Health Connections: Chronic inflammation in the mouth is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. A clean mouth reduces the total inflammatory burden on your body.
- Early Detection: During a cleaning, our team at London Road Dental performs a comprehensive exam. We check for early signs of oral cancer, tooth decay, and failing restorations that might not be visible to you in the mirror.
What to Expect During a Professional Cleaning
| Step | Purpose |
| Physical Exam | Assessing the health of gums and looking for signs of inflammation. |
| Scaling | Removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and gum line. |
| Polishing | Using a high-powered electric brush to remove surface stains and residual plaque. |
| Flossing & Fluoride | Professional flossing to reach deep gaps and a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel. |
Is It Time for Your Checkup?
If your gums bleed when you brush, or if it has been more than six months since your last visit, it is time for a checkup. Preventing gum disease is significantly easier and more cost-effective than treating advanced periodontal damage.
Experience the difference that decades of local expertise can make. Contact London Road Dental in Lethbridge today to schedule your next cleaning and take a proactive step toward lifelong oral health.