5 Signs It’s Time to Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning

It’s easy to know when it’s finally time to visit your dentist. Often, the excruciating pain and unsightly holes in your teeth are enough to lead you towards the dentist’s chair. But the same can’t be said when it comes to seeing your dental hygienist. After all, plaque can hide in the small gaps between your teeth and under the gums.

Before you fall behind your dental cleaning routine, it’s important to know when to schedule your dental cleaning in advance. Here, we rounded up the top signs that may indicate that it’s time for your next teeth cleaning.

What is Teeth Cleaning?

So, what is teeth cleaning? To simply explain, this refers to the process of getting your teeth cleaned. But contrary to regular brushing and flossing, this procedure involves the help of dental hygienists.

Specifically, plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth and gums during professional teeth cleaning using a dental tool called a scaler. Once the teeth and gums are free of plaque and tartar, the hygienist removes the remaining stains and polishes the teeth using an electric tool and a special toothpaste.

Aside from the actual cleaning process, the treatment also includes dental exams for possible oral problems.  Dental hygienists also leave patients with tips and recommendations on how to improve their oral health.

When can you say it’s time for your teeth to be cleaned?

As a general rule, you should get your teeth cleaned after six (6) months. However, this is not the most convenient schedule for everyone. There are common warning signs that may indicate it’s time to visit your dental hygienist even though the usual 6-month interval isn’t over yet.

• Visible tartar

Noticing some yellowish or brownish stains near your gum line? Brush your teeth and see if the stains remain. If they do, try to feel them using your tongue. Do they feel crusty and rough? If yes, there is “tartar buildup.”

Tartar refers to hardened plaque. Tartar cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing. Worse, it can even attract cavities and gum problems if left untreated.

If you have visible tartar around your gum line, that’s a clear sign it’s time to visit your dental hygienist soon.

• Swollen gums

Are your gums sensitive to the touch? Do they appear red and puffy? Often, swollen gums indicate possible gum infection or disease. The most common condition associated with this dental problem is Gingivitis.

To alleviate pain caused by swollen gums, you can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Another remedy is to use a hot or cold compress on your cheek where the pain occurs. Once you clear out your schedule, be sure to see a dentist or a dental hygienist right away.

• Bleeding gums

Other than swollen gums, bleeding gums is also a sign you should keep an eye on. Sure, while it can be caused by simple dental care mistakes, such as improper brushing or flossing, it can also point to underlying gum disease.

A quick visit to a nearby dental hygienist can help you solve this problem.

• Sensitive teeth

Can’t drink cold juice without flinching? Sensitive teeth are a common sign of an underlying dental problem. The most common cause is an excessive buildup of plaque, which wears out tooth enamel. Other possible reasons include a cracked tooth or a gum disease.

To ditch the pain and discomfort caused by sensitive teeth, visit your dental hygienist.

• Bad breath

Last but not least, persistent bad breath is also a sign it’s time to get your teeth cleaned. Generally, many causes lead to this problem. Poor oral hygiene is one of them. 

You can schedule a quick dental cleaning to get rid of the unpleasant smell. Since the procedure involves deep cleaning your teeth and gums, this will remove the smelly bacteria accumulated in hard-to-reach areas within your mouth.

Schedule your Dental Cleaning Today

Can’t smile like you used to? While it’s easy to ignore some of these signs, others can affect your confidence and satisfaction. You can visit Kyrene Family Dentistry to get your teeth cleaned by an experienced dental professional. Feel free to check out our site and schedule an appointment as early as today!