If you’re like most people, you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. That’s great! But many people don’t consider another essential part of dental hygiene: routine dental checkups. These appointments and preventive dental services can help prevent tooth loss, gum disease, cavities, and other problems usually found during an exam by your dentist. If it seems like too much trouble or expense to go for regular teeth cleaning, here are six reasons why they benefit everyone who visits the dentist’s office.
1. Removes Plaque and Tartar Buildup
One of the main reasons you need preventative dental services and routine dental cleanings is to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque can form on your teeth when food particles are left in your mouth. Over time, it turns into tartar, which cannot be brushed away or scraped with a toothbrush.
Plaque is a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. If your teeth are regularly cleaned, plaque can be removed from those hard-to-reach places where you would have a more challenging time getting to it yourself at home. It also helps prevent tartar buildup, so you don’t need as many cleanings over the years.
When people brush their teeth, they often miss spots around the gum line, where bacteria can develop into more significant problems. The best dentist in Glendale, AZ, can use special instruments to scrape away these potentially harmful substances during a teeth cleaning appointment as part of preventive dental services.
2. Prevents Cavities, Gum Disease and Bad Breath
When plaque isn’t removed, it can result in cavities on the teeth. Tartar deposits on your teeth can also contribute to gum disease or make you more likely to get gingivitis. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It’s widespread among adults over age 30 and can become painful.
When plaque and tartar aren’t removed as part of preventive dental services, bad breath may develop because bacteria are left on teeth over time. Tartar also makes it easier for other problems, such as cavities, to form in your mouth.
With professional teeth cleaning, a family dentist in Glendale, AZ dentist can spot these problems. With early detection, you’ll be able to receive treatment before cavities and gum disease become widespread. This will also improve lousy breath because bacteria-causing infections won’t have time to build up.
3. Routine Dental Cleanings Prevents Tooth Decay and Loss
During routine dental cleanings, your dentist cleans both the inside and outside of the teeth. By removing plaque from all mouth surfaces, you can reduce your risk for tooth decay. Your dentist may also be able to spot problems with the enamel layer of your teeth. They may even recommend filling small cracks before they become more significant problems.
Regular cleanings can also help preserve the enamel on your teeth, making them more resistant to staining and tooth loss. If you have a condition or illness that causes dry mouth, a professional cleaning can help prevent tooth decay. The hygienist will use a high-speed suction tool to remove saliva and acids from your mouth so you won’t be at greater risk for cavities and will have good dental healthcare.
4. Keep Your Gums Healthy
Routine dental cleaning can prevent gum disease and other problems that often affect the gums. If plaque and tartar buildup aren’t removed from between your teeth, you could develop more severe issues like periodontitis. This gum disease will cause the tissue and bones around your teeth to become inflamed. A professional cleaning can remove plaque and tartar buildup before you develop gum disease.
If you wear braces, a dental hygienist can also check your gums for signs of irritation or inflammation related to the metal brackets. If necessary, they’ll apply medicated wax along your gum line to prevent swelling and soreness that may result from constant pressure on the gums.
5. Helps Your Dental Hygienist Identify Oral Issues
Your dentist may also see your dental cleaning appointment as an opportunity to detect other oral concerns. They can check the bone around your teeth for signs of periodontitis, tooth decay, enamel issues, and more. Your dentist will look for these problems during a routine visit but doesn’t have access to every area of the mouth. If your dental hygienist notices any issues, they can consult the dentist and schedule a separate appointment for further investigation.
Professional dental cleanings also allow your dental hygienist to accurately measure any spaces where plaque and tartar buildup might hide. This is important for identifying patients at risk for tooth crowding or overlapping teeth. A closer look at your mouth can help your dentist determine whether you’re a candidate for dental braces or other treatment options.
6. Protect Against Oral Cancer
Because your dentist and dental hygienist will look at the inside and outside of your teeth during routine cleanings, they can detect any abnormal tissues or signs of oral cancer. Many cancers start as tiny lesions that develop on the gums. Because these areas aren’t always accessible for patients to see during regular brushing and flossing, they may go unseen.
People who visit the dentist regularly can catch signs of oral cancer at an early stage. This is because oral cancer often develops in areas of the mouth that are hard to inspect. A professional cleaning can give the dental hygienist a clear view of any potentially dangerous lesions or bumps in your mouth.
If your dentist or hygienist finds any signs of oral cancer, they’ll discuss preventive care options with you. Depending on your dental cleaning appointment results, it may not require another visit for several months.
The benefits of routine dental cleanings are undeniable. From the improved appearance of your teeth to a decreased risk for oral cancer, there’s no reason not to book an appointment with your dentist if you haven’t had one in six months or more! Schedule yours today with Beyond Dental Care and enjoy life without worrying about tooth decay or other dental problems that could be lurking beneath the surface.
Beyond Dental Care welcomes patients with disabilities. If you need accommodation to receive dental services, we would happily provide one. Please get in touch with us at 623-267-8088 to let us know how we can assist. An Arizona-licensed general dentist offers services.