If you take great care of your teeth, you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. These actions inform the basis of good dental hygiene. However, it's still important to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist. Dental cleaning services utilize professional tools and techniques to offer a deeper clean than you can achieve on your own. These are four reasons to take advantage of dental cleaning services:

1. Remove plaque and tartar.

During a routine dental cleaning, your dentist will floss your teeth to clean away sticky plaque from the surfaces and sides of each tooth. A metal scraper is used to remove tartar build-up from your teeth. Tartar is a hard, white substance that most people cannot remove on their own. Having tartar cleaned away every six months is an important way to prevent cavities.

2. Clean away stains.

Many people find stained teeth less visually appealing. Indulging in strongly colored and acidic foods/drinks, such as tomatoes and wine, can cause your teeth to become yellow and discolored. Smokers may notice that their teeth take on a noticeable brown hue after a while. Fortunately, dental cleaning services can help you achieve cleaner and whiter teeth. During a dental cleaning, your dentist will use abrasive tooth polish to gently remove bacteria, plaque, and stains from the various chewing surfaces of your teeth.

3. Protect your gum health.

Routine dental cleanings can protect your gum health as well as your tooth health. Your gums have an important role to play in your overall oral wellness. Gums protect tooth roots and allow your teeth to remain firmly situated in your mouth. Regular dental cleanings can help you avoid gingivitis and other gum infections. As part of your dental cleaning, your dentist will gently clean below your gum line.

4. Take full advantage of your dental insurance.

Finally, scheduling biannual dental cleanings is a great way to take full advantage of your dental insurance. Even the most basic dental insurance policies cover two annual dental cleanings. With dental insurance, you likely won't owe a copay. Since your dental cleanings will be free, there's no reason not to take advantage of them.

There are many reasons to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist. Preventing cavities, achieving whiter teeth, and protecting your gums are just a few advantages. If you don't currently have a regular dentist, you can schedule an appointment with a general dentist in your area to receive your first dental cleaning.

For more information, turn to a dental service such as Creative Smiles.