Many people think that as long as they brush and floss their teeth regularly, they don’t need to visit a dentist. However, this is a mistaken belief. Oral hygiene is about more than just keeping your teeth clean – it’s also about maintaining the overall health of your mouth. One of the best ways to do this is by getting regular dental cleanings. Here are six reasons why dental cleanings are essential for your oral health:
Prevents Tooth Loss
Your teeth are strong, but they’re not invincible. Over time, the enamel that protects your teeth can weaken and allow bacteria to enter. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.Regular dental cleaning can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, stopping the progression of tooth decay and protecting your teeth.
Prevents Cavities
Our mouth is home to millions of bacteria. While some of these bacteria are harmless, others can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Regular dental cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar, which can harbor harmful bacteria. In addition, dental cleaning can also remove stains that can lead to cavities.
Freshens Your Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that can be embarrassing and tough to deal with. It often leads to social awkwardness and can be a turn-off for potential partners. Regular dental cleaning can help freshen your breath and keep halitosis at bay.
During a cleaning, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, as well as any food particles that may be stuck in your gums. This helps prevent bacteria from growing and causing bad breath. In addition, the act of scrubbing your teeth can also help remove any existing bad breath-causing bacteria, leaving you feeling fresh and confident.
Brightens Your Smile
The foods and drinks we consume every day can stain and discolor our teeth. This can lead to an unhealthy appearance and a loss of self-confidence. However, regular dental cleaning can help brighten your smile.
That’s right; during a dental cleaning, your dentist will use specialized techniques and equipment to deeply clean your teeth and remove even the most stubborn stains. They’ll also apply a professional-grade polish that can make teeth look up to eight shades brighter.
Allows Early Detection of Oral Cancer
While no one likes to think about the possibility of oral cancer, it’s, unfortunately, something that can affect any of us. The good news is during a professional dental cleaning, your dentist will look for any changes in the appearance of your mouth, including red or white patches or sores.
They’ll also look for any lumps or unusual changes in the soft tissue of your mouth. If any suspicious areas are found, further testing will be necessary to determine if cancer is present. If the tests come back positive for cancer, you’ll be better off catching it early when treatment is most likely to be successful.
Saves You the Cost of Extensive Dental Work
Last but not least, regular professional dental cleaning can save you the cost of extensive dental work down the line. Here’s how: when you regularly remove the tartar and plaque from your teeth, you’re also removing the bacteria that can cause gum disease. This in turn prevents the need for more costly and invasive procedures such as gum surgery or tooth extractions.
As you can see, having your teeth cleaned by a dentist regularly is beneficial and worth the time. So if it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, schedule an appointment today! Your teeth will thank you.
