Do you brush and floss your teeth twice a day, complete with swishing mouthwash? Maybe you even add a water-flossing device in there. If you’re really vigilant, you might even carry a travel toothbrush and brush after every meal. With all of the possible oral care you do every single day, why does a professional dental cleaning matter? There are several reasons why regular cleanings make good oral health even better.
How often should you have a professional dental cleaning?
The general rule for getting professional cleanings is twice a year – every six months. This is for a regular cleaning, for those who already have good oral health. For someone who has an abundance of cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, or other oral concerns, more frequent and/or deeper cleanings may be required. It’s important to remember that you may not experience any symptoms of trouble during the early stages of tooth decay or gum disease, which makes regular professional cleanings all the more important.
What happens during a professional cleaning?
A professional cleaning is about more than just cleaning your teeth. It begins with an exam that looks for cavities and other dental issues as well as signs of oral cancer and other issues. The cleaning itself is about removing tartar. Your daily brushing does a good job of getting rid of most of the “bad” bacteria in your mouth. But what’s left behind becomes plaque that then hardens into tartar. Once it hardens into tartar it can’t be removed simply by brushing and flossing. A professional cleaning uses specific dental tools that can remove tartar both above and below the gum line.
What are the benefits of a professional cleaning?
When you get a dental cleaning from your dentist, there are many benefits. You’ll learn about tooth decay and cavities before they become root canals or tooth loss. Your smile will be brighter and your breath fresher. Your teeth will feel cleaner and smoother. Regular cleanings will also boost your overall health, as your oral health is directly connected to other aspects of your health, such as your risk of heart disease and stroke. Finally, you’ll save money by getting regular cleanings because you’ll cut down the risk of cavities and other major oral health issues.
What are the consequences of not getting a professional cleaning?
Without regular professional cleanings, your oral health can decline rapidly. You may need more extensive fillings, root canals, or even to have teeth extracted. Not only is this bad for your health, but it’s also bad for your wallet. Other health conditions, some that are a threat to your life, can be identified early simply by noting changes in your oral health. If you drink lots of wine, coffee and/or tea, your teeth may end up with stains that are difficult to remove. Left untreated long enough, you could end up with periodontal disease, leading to gum and tooth loss, as well as jawbone loss. This can lead to the need for dentures or dental implants, both of which can be very expensive.
Good oral health is a first step to your overall health and wellness. Even if it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional dental cleaning, Midway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help you get your oral health back on track. Reach out today to schedule your next dental cleaning.
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