Dental Cleanings Six Reasons To Have Your Teeth Cleaned On A Regular Basis
Your teeth are more vulnerable to decay and disease than you might realize. Tiny pieces of food can become trapped in crevices, and cause plaque to form. If plaque persists, tartar can develop, which may lead to gum disease. Meanwhile, cavities can form, penetrating the enamel of a tooth, and destroying the pulp within it.
These problems can be prevented by having your teeth periodically cleaned. Dental cleanings will remove plaque, thereby preventing the development of tartar. This in turn will help prevent gingivitis, periodontal disease, and the onset of cavities.
This article will take a closer look at dental cleanings. Most people realize they need to have their teeth cleaned at least twice a year, but remain unaware of the reasons. We’ll present six of them below.
#1 – To Protect Your Gums
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that grow when plaque and tartar are present. Your gums may appear inflamed or swollen, and even start bleeding. Other symptoms include bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and moving teeth. In severe cases, you may even lose them.
Brushing and flossing on a daily basis will help prevent plaque from forming. But professional cleanings are valuable, especially if your teeth are susceptible to decay.
#2 – Early Discovery Of Problems
You may be unaware that small dental issues exist. For example, a tiny cavity may have taken hold in a molar; you might have an early form of gingivitis; or, one or more fillings are on the verge of falling out, and need to be replaced. Most people will be unable to recognize these problems on their own. They might brush and floss daily, and believe their teeth and gums are in perfect condition. Under the surface, however, problems may be forming.
Dental cleanings will reveal any issues that threaten your oral health. The earlier these issues are uncovered, the easier they are to treat.
#3 – Discuss Approaches For Addressing Dental Problems
Once gum disease, cavities, loose fillings, and other issues are detected, you’ll need to have them resolved. While visiting your dentist’s office to have your teeth cleaned, you’ll have an opportunity to explore treatments and their associated costs. If major treatment – for example, a root canal – is necessary, you can find out how long you will need to recover.
#4 – An Improved Smile
If you drink coffee or tea on a daily basis, there’s a good chance that stains have formed on your teeth. Even though stains do not necessarily imply the presence of decay or gum disease, they can be unsightly. Many patients whose teeth are stained are self-conscious to the point that they hide their smiles.
Regular dental cleanings can remove stains, or prevent them from developing in the first place. For extensive staining, your dentist can discuss tooth whitening treatments.
#5 – Prevent Tooth Loss
One of the most common factors contributing to the loss of teeth is gum disease. Once plaque turns into tartar, and periodontitis (advanced stage of gum disease) sets in, the gums become compromised. They will eventually be unable to support the teeth, which may begin falling out.
Again, brushing and flossing play an important role in preventing the onset of gum disease. Periodic dental cleanings are also essential.
#6 – Avoid Stroke And Heart Disease
The American Dental Association claims that bacteria found in advanced cases of gum disease are linked to stroke, cardiovascular disease, and other serious medical issues. Avoiding gum disease will reduce the likelihood you’ll suffer from these complications.
As noted earlier, having your teeth cleaned at least twice a year by your dentist is a key component of ongoing dental care. This alone will help prevent gum disease from occurring, and causing secondary problems.
It’s tempting to think you can skip periodic cleanings. But having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis will ensure they remain in good condition throughout your life.
