The Oral Health Connection - By Penny Judson-Benny, Registered Dental Hygienist

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Teeth Cleanings' – more than an esthetic issue

Everybody loves a bright, white and clean-looking smile. When we meet someone for the first time, the eyes and teeth are the facial features we notice and remember most. When someone has beautiful teeth, they smile a lot and show a certain level of confidence. When someone has teeth with a lot of problems, it definitely reflects on their appearance and that person will tend to hide their smile or not smile at all.

The mouth and teeth are an instrumental part of communication. How we portray ourselves to other people is mostly demonstrated by a smiling (or non-smiling!) demeanor and proper pronunciation of our words to others. No one ever forgets an articulate speaker - especially one with a fabulous smile!

The mouth and teeth are an integral part of digestion. If we don't chew our food properly and stimulate proper saliva flow, it is very difficult for our body to start breaking down nutrients into the proper form and size that our cells can benefit from.

Our teeth keep our lips in the proper position and prevent them from 'sinking inwards' towards the tongue.
For such a small part of our body, the teeth definitely have a huge impact on the quality of our lives. This is why it is so important to take care of them and treat them like an investment for now and the future.

The term 'teeth cleaning' has been used for decades to describe a procedure that enhances and prolongs the life of the teeth and supporting structures that hold the teeth in. Most clients get their teeth cleaned to make their smile look cleaner (whiter) and to make their breath smell fresher. But a 'teeth cleaning' is a lot more comprehensive than making your smile look and smell better. The reasons behind regular teeth cleanings or 'periodontal care' go far beyond what is seen when we smile.

The mouth is full of bacteria. There are hundreds of identifiable bacteria in the mouth, on the tongue, on the teeth and in the gums. Bacteria on the teeth and in the gums is referred to as 'plaque' or 'biofilm'. The bacteria in plaque varies, depending on how long it has been colonized on the teeth or in the gums. The longer the plaque is present, the more aggressive it is on the teeth and gums. Plaque that is not removed on a regular basis causes an inflammatory process in the mouth and body. This inflammation, if not treated can cause eventual tooth loss as well as influence the progression of many systemic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immune disorders etc…)

Regular and thorough periodontal care is an important part of preventing the breakdown of periodontal structures.  The 'periodontium' consists of the teeth, gingiva, muscles/ligaments and bone. These structures all work together in order for the dentition to work properly. Chronic infection in the periodontium can cause permanent damage to the teeth and supporting structures. It is important to eradicate the inflammatory process in order to prevent breakdown of the periodontal structures in the mouth.

What should a 'teeth cleaning' involve?
A 'teeth cleaning' or 'periodontal care' involves the removal of the biofilm. In most cases there is also tartar adhering to the teeth. Tartar is a hard, mineralized deposit that builds-up above and below the gumline. Biofilm loves tartar and clings to it for dear life! In order to rid the teeth and gums of plaque, the tartar must be removed as well. Extrinsic stain is another type of deposit that can build up on the teeth. This provides for a rough surface that the biofilm can attach to as well. Debriding the teeth thoroughly with proper scaling and root planing techniques can rid the periodontium of the harmful bacteria that causes gum disease. Ultrasonic scalers (electric magnetostrictive units), hand scalers and polishing units are used to debride the teeth during periodontal care. Educating about a proper dental homecare program should be discussed and demonstrated during a teeth cleaning visit. Proper flossing and tooth brushing techniques are of paramount importance in the prevention of gum disease and maintenance of a healthy smile. It is important to keep a homecare regimen that is simple to follow, but thorough as well. Dental mouth rinses do not replace proper brushing and flossing. It is important to physically remove the biofilm regularly.

Most times getting the teeth cleaned every six months should suffice. If there has been permanent damage to the periodontal structures (recession, peridodontal pockets and bone loss around the teeth), every 3-4 months will be recommended.

Most people do not realize the damage that has occurred in the mouth until there has already been permanent bone loss and structural damage. Gum disease usually does not hurt and the symptoms are very subtle. Bleeding gums, bad breath and consistent bad taste in the mouth may be indicators of progressing gum disease.

It is important to establish a regular 'teeth cleaning' schedule and incorporate a thorough homecare program.

A prevention program at an early age can prolong the health and life of your teeth and body. It should be considered a lifelong investment for a high quality life as we age!

‘Keep Your Smile For A Lifetime!'

Penny Judson-Benny, RDH, is the owner and operator of Mountain View Dental Hygiene Clinic in Black Diamond and can be contacted at 403-933-7722.