We are constantly looking for ways to improve our appearance, and something that can significantly enhance it is a beautiful, healthy-looking, and bright smile. Having white teeth isn’t just a beautiful feature, but also a reflection of good oral health, which can be achieved through healthy habits and regular dental cleanings in Saskatoon.
What is a dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings are a routine dental procedure. They can be performed by a dental hygienist or a dentist in Saskatoon. Before starting the procedure, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums with the help of a small mirror. Normally, dentists look for plaque and tartar buildup, signs of tooth decay, and gum disease. This gives them an idea of how healthy your teeth are, which areas will require more attention during the teeth cleaning, and if other procedures are necessary.
Afterward, your dentist will apply some numbing cream on your gums to prevent you from feeling any discomfort. After a few minutes, they will use an instrument called a scaler to remove all the plaque and tartar that has built up between your teeth and along the gum line. Once all the plaque and tartar are removed your dentist will use a special electric toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste to target residual plaque that couldn’t be removed with the scaler. Finally, your teeth will receive a fluoride treatment.
What are the benefits of dental cleanings?
First of all, dental cleanings allow your dentist to detect and diagnose any oral health issues from very early stages, so that they can be treated early on without causing any complications. In regards to the benefits of the procedure itself, it helps prevent tooth decay, as well as gum disease. These two conditions are the leading causes of tooth loss, so visiting a dental clinic in Saskatoon for routine dental cleanings will work in your favor in the long run, by extending the lifespan of your natural teeth. Also, gum disease has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, so preventing it can benefit your overall health as well.
Will your teeth be whiter?
Many people wonder if receiving a dental cleaning performed by a dentist in Saskatoon will result in having whiter teeth. The truth is that while a dental cleaning is not as effective as teeth whitening in terms of changing the colour of your teeth, the electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste used during dental cleanings can help improve the appearance of your teeth by polishing them and erasing some superficial stains.
Why do your teeth become stained?
There are two ways your teeth can become stained. The most common one is due to external discolouration. This is caused by stains on the outer layer of your teeth, called the enamel. These stains are produced by many foods and drinks, such as red wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and tomato-based sauces. All these have pigments that stay on the surface of the teeth and stain it. Smoking is also known to significantly modify the colour of your teeth. Therefore, avoiding all these foods and beverages can help prevent tooth discolouration, as well as help maintain the results of a dental cleaning or teeth whitening.
On the other hand, internal discolouration has other causes like the use of certain antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc. Another reason why your teeth can become yellow is aging. As we grow older, the enamel wears away and reveals an underlying layer called dentin, which is more yellow.
All things considered, dental cleanings are very beneficial for your oral health and can have some effect on the appearance of your teeth. However, if you wish to achieve a certain level of whiteness, then you should look into teeth whitening.