Beyond the Brush: 5 Signs You're Overdue for a Professional Teeth Cleaning

The easiest way to tell if you need a professional dental cleaning is to simply look at your calendar and your mouth. Most of us benefit from a cleaning every six months. If your teeth are more problematic, you may need to see a hygienist more often.

Danny Jeon, DMD, and our talented team provide a range of preventative and cosmetic dental treatments, such as teeth cleaning, at Tucker Family Dental in Tucker, GA.

How dental cleanings help

During professional dental cleanings, our hygienist removes built-up tartar from hardened plaque. It not only helps curtail an array of dental problems, including cavities and gum disease, but it also protects your overall health. 

Health problems like diabetes and heart disease may worsen due to unhealthy bacteria circulating throughout your system. A thorough cleaning reduces harmful bacteria in your mouth before they spread.

During a typical cleaning, our hygienist:

• Examines your mouth for any signs of cracks, decay, or other issues
• Removes excess plaque and tartar from your gums and teeth
• Brushes your teeth with an electric toothbrush
• Flosses away any remaining particles
• Provides an anti-bacterial and/or fluoride rinse to strengthen your enamel

In less than an hour, a professional cleaning reduces the likelihood of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis, as well as overall health issues. 

5 signs it’s time for a cleaning

There are signs you could use a dental cleaning, such as:

1. Bleeding gums

Early-stage gum disease often manifests as bleeding. If your gums look red and swollen, or if they bleed after brushing, consider a professional cleaning before the issue worsens. 

Waiting too long to treat gum disease can result in periodontitis and ultimately, tooth loss.

2. Bad breath

Bad breath is often due to plaque and trapped food. It can also be caused by early gum disease. A cleaning usually fixes the issue. Our team determines whether gum disease or other dental issues may be at fault, so Dr. Jeon can rectify it. 

3. Shifting teeth

Teeth naturally shift slightly. If you have missing teeth, the movement can be more aggressive.  If you notice any significantly loose teeth or gum disease, bone loss may be at fault. A dental cleaning and exam can reveal the reason.

4. Sensitivity

Underlying issues, such as tooth decay, worn enamel, or receding gums, may cause sensitive teeth. Regular cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar, reducing sensitivity. We may also recommend special toothpaste or other options to reduce sensitivity.   

5. Pain

If you experience tooth pain while chewing or drinking, a dental cleaning often helps by removing excess plaque.

When a thorough cleaning doesn’t improve your situation, Dr. Jeon examines you to locate the source and relieve it.

Deep cleaning

If Dr. Jeon recognizes significant gum disease, he may recommend a more thorough cleaning by incorporating scaling and root planing.

Scaling removes plaque and tartar below and above your gum line. Root planing smooths the surface of each tooth’s root to tighten gum tissue and prevent additional plaque and tartar from harming your gums.

Good health starts here

When your teeth feel unusually sensitive to hot or cold, it often signals thinning enamel or gum tissue, making nerve pathways more vulnerable to pain. Receding gums may also result from an abundance of tartar and plaque. 

Regular dental cleanings strengthen enamel and lessen inflammation to keep you pain-free and healthy.

If you are experiencing any of these signs or simply wish to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, call our office at (678) 233-2945 or book an appointment online with Tucker Family Dental today.