We all know that brushing twice a day and flossing are essential. However meticulous your daily routine is, though, there are deposits you simply cannot remove on your own: tartar. This hard, sticky residue is the main enemy of a healthy smile and the cause of many oral health problems. That is where a professional dental cleaning comes in, an essential tool for keeping your mouth in top condition. At Clínica Dental Acosta Cubero, located in Torre del Mar, we stress the importance of these cleanings as a cornerstone of your oral health in Vélez-Málaga. Want to know why they matter so much and how they benefit you? Read on! 👇
Why is tartar a problem, and why doesn’t brushing remove it? 🤔
After eating, a sticky, colourless film called dental plaque forms on our teeth. This plaque is full of bacteria that feed on sugars and produce acids which attack tooth enamel, causing tooth decay. If plaque isn’t removed properly by brushing and flossing, it hardens and turns into tartar (also known as dental calculus or tartar).
Once plaque has turned into tartar, it cannot be removed with an ordinary toothbrush. Tartar has a rough surface that makes it even easier for new plaque and bacteria to stick, creating a vicious circle. Its build-up isn’t just unsightly; it also causes:
- Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums, which become red, swollen and bleed easily.
- Periodontitis: if gingivitis is left untreated, the infection spreads and destroys the bone that supports the teeth, which can lead to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss.
- Bad breath (halitosis): the bacteria in tartar are a common cause of bad breath.
- Tooth decay: tartar encourages cavities, especially along the gum line.
For all these reasons, professional dental cleanings are crucial.
What happens during a professional dental cleaning at Clínica Dental Acosta Cubero? 🌟
A professional dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, goes far beyond simple brushing and must be carried out by a dental hygienist or a dentist. At our clinic in Torre del Mar, the procedure usually includes the following steps:
- Oral examination: before the cleaning, the professional will examine your mouth for signs of decay, gum disease or other problems. It’s a good moment for a general check-up. 🔎
- Plaque and tartar removal: using an ultrasonic scaler (which vibrates to loosen tartar without damaging the enamel) and specific hand instruments, the tartar and plaque built up above and slightly below the gum line are carefully removed. 🦷✨
- Polishing: once the tartar has been removed, the teeth are polished with a special polishing paste and a rotating brush. This helps remove surface stains and smooths the enamel, making it harder for new plaque to stick.
- Flossing: floss is passed between all the teeth to make sure no plaque or polishing paste is left behind.
- Fluoride (optional): in some cases, a fluoride gel or varnish may be applied to strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to decay, especially if there is some sensitivity.
The whole procedure is painless and usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how much tartar has built up.
The many benefits of professional dental cleanings in Vélez-Málaga 😊
Having regular professional dental cleanings at Clínica Dental Acosta Cubero brings a whole range of valuable advantages for your oral health and your general wellbeing:
- Preventing tooth decay: by removing plaque and tartar, you drastically reduce your risk of developing cavities.
- Preventing and controlling gum disease: it is the main treatment for gingivitis and helps to control the progression of periodontitis.
- Fresh breath: removing the bacteria that cause bad breath leaves your mouth fresher and cleaner. 🌬️
- Whiter, brighter teeth: although it isn’t a whitening treatment, removing surface stains will leave your teeth looking brighter.
- Early detection of problems: during the cleaning, the professional can spot problems at an early stage (cavities, cracks, etc.) which, caught in time, are easier and cheaper to treat.
- Long-term savings: preventing bigger problems spares you more complex dental treatments and higher costs in the future.
- That clean, fresh feeling: there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a professionally cleaned mouth. 😄
- Better general health: oral health is linked to general health. A healthy mouth reduces the risk of systemic problems related to dental infections.
How often should I have a professional dental cleaning in Torre del Mar? 📅
The recommended frequency for a professional dental cleaning is usually every 6 to 12 months. However, this can vary from person to person. If you have risk factors such as a tendency to build up a lot of tartar, a history of gum disease or diabetes, or if you smoke, your dentist at Clínica Dental Acosta Cubero may recommend more frequent cleanings. Our team will advise you on the maintenance plan that suits you best.
Don’t put off your next dental cleaning in Vélez-Málaga! 💖
Professional dental cleanings aren’t just a cosmetic treat; they are a fundamental investment in your oral health and your general wellbeing. At Clínica Dental Acosta Cubero, in Torre del Mar, our team is ready to give you a thorough, gentle cleaning, making sure your smile stays healthy, fresh and radiant. Get in touch with us today and book your appointment! Your smile will thank you! ✨
