Signs You Need to Schedule a Dental Cleaning

Plaque starts to appear as a sticky white or yellow film on your teeth. When it’s not cleaned, it turns into tartar. It sits right above your gums and is very hard to remove with brushing.

When you look at your teeth in the mirror and see white or yellowish buildup close to your gums, it’s a clear sign you need a professional dental cleaning.

If you have a history of cavities or notice discoloration, sensitivity, or dark areas on your teeth, it is important to have them evaluated by a dentist. Not all black spots are cavities; sometimes it’s simply food staining. But either way, a cleaning can help tell them apart.

During your dental visit, our team checks for possible signs of tooth decay and other oral health concerns.

If a patient remarks that a tooth is feeling tender or painful, we do further tests to check for cavities.

Many people notice slight gum bleeding when they brush their teeth, but often overlook it. It could be the start of gum disease. Before it gets too serious, you should get a dental cleaning to keep your gums healthy.

Routine cleanings get rid of plaque and a large number of harmful bacteria that put your gum health at risk.

Unfortunately, the tooth enamel is prone to staining. Heavily pigmented foods and drinks can leave your teeth looking yellow. Smoking and tobacco use can also cause dark stains on teeth.

If your teeth are starting to look duller than before, it is a good sign that you need a dental cleaning.

Keep in mind that cleanings can only lighten external stains. For more stubborn stains, you need to consider teeth whitening.

Another sign that you may need a professional dental cleaning is persistent bad breath or a foul odor in your mouth. Bad breath is often linked to plaque and bacteria buildup around the teeth and gums.

It usually happens when oral care is neglected for too long, which means brushing alone won’t be enough. You need professional care.