Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and taking care of your teeth is an important part of maintaining that smile. While at-home brushing is essential for daily dental care, professional El Paso teeth cleaning offers a level of care that brushing alone can’t provide.
At Lee Trevino Dental, we want to help you understand the key differences between professional teeth cleaning and at-home brushing so you can make the best choices for your oral health. To schedule your teeth cleaning, call (915) 593-8815 today.
At-Home Brushing: The Basics
Brushing your teeth at home is the foundation of your daily dental routine. Most people brush their teeth at least twice a day, and this helps remove food particles and plaque from the surface of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth after eating, and if not removed, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
When brushing at home, it’s important to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums or enamel. You should brush for at least two minutes, making sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Brushing helps keep your mouth clean, but it’s not always enough to maintain optimal dental health on its own.
Professional Teeth Cleaning: What You Can’t Do at Home
While brushing at home is essential, professional teeth cleaning at a dental office is a much more thorough process. During a professional teeth cleaning, a trained dental hygienist uses special tools and techniques to remove plaque and tartar buildup that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Here are some key differences between professional teeth cleaning and at-home brushing:
Removal of Tartar: One of the main differences between at-home brushing and professional teeth cleaning is the removal of tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque that forms when plaque is not removed from the teeth in a timely manner. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by a dental professional using special instruments. Tartar can cause gum irritation, cavities, and even lead to gum disease if not addressed.
Deep Cleaning: While your toothbrush can clean the surface of your teeth, it can’t reach below the gum line or in between your teeth as effectively as a professional cleaning. During a professional teeth cleaning, the hygienist will use specialized tools to clean the areas below the gum line, where bacteria and plaque can hide. This helps prevent gum disease and maintains overall oral health.
Polishing: After your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, your hygienist will polish your teeth. Polishing removes surface stains that can accumulate from food, drinks, and tobacco use. This gives your teeth a smooth, shiny appearance, making it harder for plaque and food particles to stick in the future. While brushing at home helps remove surface stains, it doesn’t provide the same level of shine and smoothness that a professional polish can offer.
Fluoride Treatment: Another key part of professional teeth cleaning is fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel and protect your teeth from decay. A fluoride treatment is typically applied at the end of the cleaning, leaving your teeth with a protective layer that lasts for several months.
Oral Health Screening: During a professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will also perform a thorough examination of your mouth. They will check for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. If any issues are found, your dentist will discuss treatment options with you, ensuring your oral health is on track.
Why Both Are Important for Oral Health
At-home brushing and professional teeth cleaning in El Paso both play important roles in maintaining your oral health, but they serve different purposes. Brushing at home is essential for daily care, while professional cleaning ensures that your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned and checked for any problems.
Brushing at home helps prevent plaque buildup, but over time, plaque can turn into tartar, which is impossible to remove without professional care. Skipping regular professional teeth cleanings can lead to serious dental problems, including gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss.
That’s why it’s important to schedule regular teeth cleanings with a dental professional. At Lee Trevino Dental, we recommend that patients visit our office for a professional cleaning at least twice a year. This ensures your teeth and gums stay healthy and any potential issues are caught early on.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
Regular professional teeth cleaning offers numerous benefits for your oral health:
Prevents Gum Disease: Professional teeth cleaning helps remove tartar and plaque, which are the main causes of gum disease. By removing these harmful substances, you reduce your risk of developing gum disease and its complications.
Prevents Cavities: Professional cleanings remove plaque buildup, which is a major contributor to tooth decay. By keeping your teeth clean and free of plaque, you lower your chances of developing cavities.
Whiter Teeth: Professional cleanings remove surface stains and polish your teeth, helping you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. This can improve your confidence and give you a healthier appearance.
Freshens Breath: Removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums can help freshen your breath. Regular professional cleanings are an effective way to combat bad breath caused by buildup and decay.
Overall Health: Oral health is linked to overall health. Gum disease and other dental problems have been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By maintaining regular teeth cleanings, you’re not only protecting your smile but also your overall well-being.
Teeth Cleaning in El Paso
While at-home brushing is an essential part of your daily dental care routine, it’s not enough to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Professional teeth cleaning is necessary for removing tartar, polishing your teeth, and providing a thorough examination of your oral health. Regular cleanings can prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues, helping you maintain a bright, healthy smile.
To schedule your next professional teeth cleaning at Lee Trevino Dental, call us today at (915) 593-8815. Don’t wait until plaque and tartar have a chance to build up—keep your smile in top condition with regular cleanings from our team of experts. Call now and take the first step toward better oral health!
