A regular dental cleaning goes hand in hand with good oral health habits, but many people choose to skip it. They assume that going to the dentist once or twice a year is not necessary if they have good brushing and flossing habits at home. Even if they do not, if no problems seem to be present, it can be tempting to save time by avoiding regular checkups.
However, dental cleanings can do more than just give you a thorough tooth brushing. They can prolong the beauty of your smile and even stop you from losing entire teeth.
Why regular dental cleanings matter
Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of good oral health. Patients who are unsure why should remember that a cleaning has the following goals.
To prevent tooth loss
The oral cavity is full of bacteria, and not all are removed with daily brushing and flossing. Over time, the remaining colonies can cause infection and inflammation in the gums, which weakens them and exposes the sensitive tooth roots to damage.
If patients do not regularly go to the dentist for cleanings, they can start to see gingivitis and the development of more severe decay at the tooth roots. Due to weakened gum tissue, the teeth may loosen and even fall out.
To keep the smile beautiful
While dentists try to ensure that patients retain as much functionality from their teeth as possible, that is not their only goal. Regular dental cleanings are ideal opportunities to polish the teeth so they shine, thus enabling patients to display their smiles with pride.
As an added benefit, polished teeth are smoother, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to cling to them. This can help reduce the incidence of cavities and keep the teeth clean.
To preserve overall health
Many patients do not know that the health of the mouth is connected to the health of the entire body. When gum infections arise and bacteria have access to normally protected areas, such as the blood vessels inside a tooth or the gums, those bacteria are free to travel throughout the body and cause inflammation.
This inflammation can present in many ways, from heart disease to stroke. By taking care of their oral cavity through regular dental cleanings, a patient can also protect their entire body from potentially harmful effects that can impact them even years after the oral health signs first emerged.
Get your regular dental cleanings
A regular dental cleaning does take time out of your day, but spending a few hours every year to keep your teeth — and your entire body — healthy is a small price to pay. Our team strives to keep your cleanings quick and convenient so you can get back to your favorite tasks. Contact our office today in order to schedule your next dental cleaning or to learn more about what we can do for your smile.
Request an appointment or call Maycer Dental at 619-490-4197 for an appointment in our La Mesa office.
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