Dentists recommend regular teeth cleanings to keep your teeth look and feeling their best, and there are good reasons for this advice. During a dental cleaning, your dentist removes the sticky plaque and hardened tartar off the surface of your teeth, which is important for optimal dental health. Regular cleanings offer a number of benefits that not only affect your oral health, but also your general health. Read on to learn more about these benefits.
Fresher Breath
Over time, a colorless, sticky film of bacteria called plaque can form on your teeth. If not removed, plaque can lead to many dental issues, including gum disease and bad breath. While brushing your teeth daily is a temporary fix, a regular dental cleaning can deep clean your teeth, eliminating this film for fresher breath.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Dental plaque can also remove the minerals in your tooth’s outer layer called enamel. This can lead to small holes in the enamel, which leads to cavities. If cavities are left untreated, they will grow larger and affect the deeper layers of your teeth, leading to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Regular dental visits are important for preventing cavities and tooth decay for a healthy smile.
Wards off Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is a gum infection that can eventually lead to the destruction of the bone that supports your teeth. This condition is preventable, and is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Be sure to brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning to reduce your chances of developing gum disease.
Helps you Maintain Overall Health
Your teeth reveal a great deal about your overall health. During a regular cleaning, the hygienist will check your teeth for any signs of a health problem, such as diabetes or anemia, which can affect dental health. You can then follow up with your physician to ensure your continued health in upcoming years.
Keeps Your Teeth Looking Attractive
Regular teeth cleaning helps to remove plaque and tartar deposits that make teeth unhealthy. After cleaning, your hygienist will also polish your teeth to help your teeth look cleaner and brighter. Regular cleaning helps to improve your dental appearance and boost your confidence!
Screens For Oral Cancer
During your cleanings, your dentist will do a careful examination of the tissues in your mouth to check for oral cancer. If any abnormalities are found, you can be referred to a doctor to perform a more thorough investigation and provide treatment, if needed.
Reduces Your Dental Expenses
Taking the time to schedule regular teeth cleanings aids in keeping your mouth healthy. In the long run, this helps you to save money on problems that would have otherwise required treatment.
With today’s busy schedules, it’s easy to forget to schedule an appointment to have your teeth cleaned. One way to ensure you make this important appointment is to schedule a future cleaning when you’re at the dentist’s office getting your current cleaning. By keeping up with your cleanings, you will be able to enjoy cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and better oral health. To schedule your dental cleaning, contact Fennel, Yoxthimer, and Associates DDS today!
