Getting regular dental cleanings is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During a cleaning, a dental hygienist uses special tools to clean your teeth and remove plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if it’s not cleaned off, it hardens into tartar. Once plaque turns into tartar, you can’t brush it away. Tartar can cause problems like cavities and gum disease.
Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings
Preventing Gum Disease
Regular cleanings play a key role in stopping gum disease. Gum disease often starts as gingivitis, where your gums might become red, swollen, and may bleed when you brush. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
This can damage your gums and teeth. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cause gum disease, lowering the chances of it getting worse. With regular cleanings and good brushing and flossing at home, your gums can stay healthy and strong.
Finding Problems Early
When you go for a dental cleaning, the dentist also checks your teeth and gums for any problems. This includes looking for cavities, gum issues, and even signs of oral cancer. Catching problems early makes them easier and less costly to fix.
Dentists can also spot signs of oral cancer, like sores or lumps that don’t heal. Early treatment of oral cancer gives you a better chance of successful treatment. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can make sure any issues are found and treated right away.
Keeping Your Breath Fresh
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by poor dental care. Plaque and tartar hold bacteria that can create bad smells. Regular cleanings remove this buildup and keep your breath fresh. Sometimes, bad breath comes from other things like dry mouth or diet. Your dentist can help you figure out what’s causing it and suggest ways to fix it.
Improving Overall Health
Your oral health affects the rest of your body too. Poor oral care can lead to infections that spread. For example, bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and may increase your chances of heart disease or stroke. Studies have shown that gum disease can also make conditions like diabetes harder to control. By getting regular dental cleanings, you keep your whole body healthier by lowering the risk of these problems.
Saving Money Over Time
Taking care of your teeth with regular cleanings can save you money in the long run. Preventing cavities and gum disease means you’re less likely to need expensive treatments like fillings, root canals, or even tooth extractions. Regular cleanings are a good way to avoid bigger dental bills later on.
Supporting Good Oral Care Habits
When you go for a cleaning, the dental team can give you tips on how to brush and floss better. They may suggest certain toothbrushes or toothpaste that work best for you. Combining these habits with regular cleanings will help you keep your mouth healthy for years to come.
Lowering the Risk of Tooth Loss
Gum disease is a major reason why adults lose their teeth. By getting regular cleanings, you lower your chances of gum disease and keep your teeth strong. Losing teeth can make it harder to chew food or speak clearly. It can also affect how your smile looks. Taking care of your teeth now can help you avoid these problems and keep your natural teeth for life.
At Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry, we offer expert dental cleanings and care that’s personalized for you. Our goal is to keep your teeth and gums healthy with the best possible treatment. Schedule your cleaning today and see how we can help improve your oral health.