Even with excellent home care, professional cleanings are essential because there are areas your toothbrush and floss simply can't reach effectively. Professional cleanings remove hardened plaque (tartar) that can only be eliminated with specialized dental instruments, and they allow for early detection of problems before they become painful and costly to treat.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleanings
- Tartar Removal — Once plaque hardens into tartar, it bonds firmly to your teeth and can only be removed with professional scaling instruments. Tartar buildup leads to gum disease and provides a rough surface where more bacteria can accumulate.
- Cleaning Below the Gumline — Professional instruments can safely clean below the gumline, where bacteria accumulate and cause inflammation. Home brushing and flossing can't reach these pockets effectively.
- Polishing and Stain Removal Professional polishing removes surface stains and smooths tooth surfaces, making it harder for plaque to adhere between cleanings.
Early Problem Detection
Regular cleanings include comprehensive exams that help us identify:
- Cavities in their earliest stages
- Early signs of gum disease
- Teeth grinding damage
- Old or failing dental work
Protect Your Smile
Even if you practice excellent home care, you will benefit from professional cleanings every six months. If you’re due for your next checkup and teeth cleaning, call our Madison, AL, dental office at (256) 542-1969 to schedule an appointment.