The importance of getting your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist every 6 months cannot be overstated. When you go to get your teeth cleaned, your dentist will also perform an oral exam and might take some x-rays if you have tooth pain or if they need a closer look.
Regular teeth cleanings and checkups reduce your risk for cavities, gum disease, and unwanted buildup of plaque and tartar, and improve the appearance of your smile. Bi-annual cleanings are the easiest, most affordable preventive dentistry method of maintaining good oral health. This, in the long run, saves you money.
During your dental cleaning, the dentist will check for cavities and keep an eye out for teeth that are at risk for decay. Prevention is more cost-effective than restorative treatments like fillings and root canals.
Your dentist removes the buildup of plaque and tartar that results from inadequate brushing and flossing or food particles stuck in hard-to-reach places. When plaque builds up, this can lead to gum disease.
Your dentist will use a scaler to scrape off plaque and tartar, which reduces your chance of developing gum disease. It’s also worth noting that once you develop a buildup of plaque and tartar in your mouth, you cannot remove it yourself. The only way to get rid of it is at the dentist, with the use of specialized tools.
By getting regular cleanings and checkups, you prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. This reduces the likelihood that you will lose teeth to infections or extractions. Once you have a tooth extracted, you will need to have the space filled with a dental implant or denture so your other teeth do not shift, which can contribute to decay.
Having your teeth cleaned involves the removal of stains and discoloration, which results in a whiter, brighter smile. It can also help control bad breath caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
Dental cleanings are relatively inexpensive, especially if you have insurance. Do you know what isn’t expensive? Invasive procedures that could have been avoided like root canals, extractions, or dental implants. Some of these procedures can take up to 9 months to complete and cost thousands of dollars.
By catching signs of decay early, you can prevent cavities and tooth loss before it happens so you don’t have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars later on.
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of oral health is preventing infection and oral cancer. An untreated dental infection can quickly spread throughout the body and in serious cases, lead to death. A dentist can stop an infection in its tracks and prevent serious health issues as well as spotting the early warning signs of oral cancer.
At the end of your dental cleaning, your dentist will apply a coating of fluoride gel to your teeth, which offers an extra layer of protection against cavities. It restores minerals to the surface of your teeth where bacteria could have caused enamel erosion. It also prevents the future growth of harmful bacteria.
If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in the last 6 months, then it’s time to head into the dentist's office. Cavities can develop within months, so prevention is important if you want to save time and money on dental treatments. Schedule your teeth cleaning at Bayview Dental today!