5 Reasons You Need Regular Teeth Cleanings
One of the questions we hear the most about dental visits is: Why do I have to come so often?
And we don’t get those questions just from our patients. Family and friends ask us all the time too. As it turns out – no one is really a FAN of heading to the dentist. Surprise!
Okay – I bet you already knew that one. But still – the answer is actually pretty simple: it’s for your health. A lot can happen inside your mouth within just six months, so it’s important you get those pearly whites checked, and cleaned.
Need more reasons? Well, here are five key reasons why making your regular teeth cleaning appointments every 6 months should be on the top of your to-do list:
- Prevents Cavities
No one likes cavities. Making it through another dental check-up without a cavity is the equivalent of getting a gold star back in kindergarten: awesome! So here’s the thing – regular dental cleanings can help prevent cavities. Simple as that. Even the most diligent brushers and flossers can’t reach every area in the mouth that contains plaque buildup. Once plaque builds up, you need a professional cleaning to get rid of it. Regular teeth cleanings prevent tooth erosion and plaque buildup before they become too big of a problem.
- Prevents Gum Disease
Built up plaque and tartar can cause a lot of issues. Gum disease is just one of them. The No. 1 cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease. You want to read that one again? Gum disease is the number one cause in tooth loss!
Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene habits can massively reduce your chances of getting gum disease (and enhance your chance of keeping all your teeth when you get older). It’s important to catch the beginning stages of gum disease before it gets out of hand.
- Improves Overall Health
Fun fact: Studies have linked good oral health to good overall health. Regular teeth cleanings can help lower your risk for more than just gum disease. Good oral hygiene has been found to lower the risks of heart disease and strokes! Medical conditions, such as cysts and tumors, can also be found by the x-rays taken at your routine cleaning. Going to the dentist for regular teeth cleanings is one of the best ways to stay on top of your overall health.
- Brightens Your Smile
Who can get through the day without starting it off with a delicious cup of coffee? But drinking too much coffee can also lead to yellowing of the teeth. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque, stains, and tartar leaving you with freshly polished pearly whites.
- Saves You Money
If you take advantage of your dental health insurance and utilize the regular cleanings that it covers, you may save money in the long run. Protecting your teeth and gums now will help you to avoid potentially costly procedures later on.
If you don’t have dental insurance – well, guess what? You can still save money by getting your regular cleanings. The more often you maintain a regular cleaning schedule, the higher chance you have to avoid costly procedures down the road as a complication of dental issues like cavities or treatment for periodontal disease.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give us a call to schedule that cleaning. We’re here – waiting to set you on the right path towards better oral (and overall) health.
