Although a dental exam and cleaning may not be something most people look forward to, it is a crucial appointment. Many dental clinics showcase the services they offer on their website. Regular cleanings allow your dentist to identify and address small problems before they become bigger. Attending these appointments can prevent more severe dental issues from developing.
Dental cleanings remove bacteria from the teeth’s surfaces, which is often impossible to do on your own with regular brushing and flossing.
Prevents Cavities
We all know that eating a healthy diet and maintaining oral hygiene are key to preventing cavities. But that’s only half the battle. The other is frequent dental visits for teeth cleanings and checkups.
Visiting the dentist every six months allows a licensed dentist to examine your mouth, including your soft and hard tissues, for any issues needing attention. If a cavity starts forming, the dentist can catch it early and fill it before it becomes severe.
Visiting the dentist for regular cleanings will remove plaque and tartar, which prevents tooth decay and gum disease. It also prevents chronic bad breath caused by food particles and bacteria that brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can’t always get to. And it lowers your risk for systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and preterm birth. That’s a good reason to never skip your dental appointments!
Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious concern that, left untreated, can cause tooth and bone loss. Dental cleanings help prevent gum disease by thoroughly removing stubborn plaque that brushing and flossing cannot dislodge. This helps keep the teeth and gums healthy, which is essential for overall health.
During a checkup, dentists examine the teeth, tongue, and soft tissues of the mouth and may take X-rays. Dentists can detect early tooth decay and other oral health issues. This allows them to treat them before they become severe, saving you time, pain, and money in the long run.
Regular checkups allow dentists to identify other potential health concerns, such as swollen lymph nodes. These can be a sign of certain types of cancer or other serious diseases that must be treated immediately. It only takes a moment to check for these issues, but they could save your life in the long run.
Prevents Bad Breath
An overgrowth of odor-producing bacteria or gum disease can cause bad breath. A dentist can eliminate these causes of halitosis during a dental cleaning and exam, eradicating the bacterial growth and eliminating the odors.
Also, bad breath can result from a stale diet or certain medical issues. A dentist can smell the breath, scrape the tongue, and use other diagnostic tools to determine the cause of a patient’s halitosis. The dentist can then offer tailored at-home care advice to help resolve the issue.
In addition to eliminating bacterial and food particles contributing to halitosis, regular dental cleanings remove hardened plaque and tartar from the teeth’ surfaces. This helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues that lead to bad breath. Early detection of these issues is key for addressing them quickly and preventing more serious complications in the future. In addition, poor oral health is linked to some systemic illnesses, so regular dental cleanings and exams are important for overall health.
Prevents TMJ
Dental cleanings and checkups may not be the appointments most people look forward to, but they are essential to maintaining good oral health. These appointments allow dentists to identify potential problems early on, enabling them to treat them before they worsen. They also provide valuable information that can be used to improve a patient’s at-home oral hygiene routine.
During a cleaning and exam, a dentist will examine the teeth, gums, the top and bottom of the mouth, and the neck for any signs of infection or disease. They will also take X-rays to detect hidden issues, such as abscesses or cysts.
If they spot any problems, the dentist will clean and polish the teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing cannot remove. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health issues.
