A person's smile is a defining feature of their face, and it is one of the first things that others around them will notice. One of the most important things that you can do to help maintain the beauty of your smile is to have our teeth cleaned on a regular basis. Unfortunately, there are many people that may avoid this type of care for a variety of reasons, and this can result in substantial problems developing with your teeth. 

Will Getting Your Teeth Cleaned Make Them Whiter?

A whiter and healthier smile is the goal of most people, but some individuals are under the impression that whitening treatments are the only way to lighten their smile. Luckily, this is not the case, and a routine cleaning may be able to make your teeth appear noticeably whiter. This is because these cleanings will remove the layers of plaque and tartar that are on your teeth, and this will expose the enamel below them. 

While a dental cleaning can make your teeth appear whiter, it is important to note that these effects will only be mild. As a result, you may still need to undergo a whitening treatment, but having your teeth cleaned first may make it easier for you to get your teeth to the desired shade during these sessions. This is because there will be less plaque and tartar to prevent the bleaching chemicals from reaching the enamel. 

What Can Be Done If You Get Extremely Nervous during Dental Cleanings?

There are many people that suffer from some form of dental anxiety, and this anxiety may be severe enough that they avoid going to the dentist unless they are experiencing a painful problem. Unfortunately, avoiding routine cleanings can make individuals more likely to suffer from painful conditions that will require invasive treatment to correct. Most dentists are prepared to help patients that are suffering from this form of anxiety. 

One of the more common ways of helping patients make it through their dental work is by sedating them. Usually, these sedatives are mild, and they are more to relax the patient than make them go unconscious. However, if the anxiety is severe enough, the dentist will be able to completely sedate the patient so the work can continue. 

Skipping your routine dental cleanings is a mistake that many people make, and it can cause them to be far more likely to suffer a host of dental problems. By understanding the answers for these two commonly asked dental questions, you should be in a better position to be an informed dental patient.