Some dental patients don’t realize that poor oral hygiene can damage more than just their teeth. Infections, bone loss, and even heart disease and strokes are all sometimes the result of improper dental care. If those are not compelling enough reasons to make time for the recommended two visits per year to the dentist for Teeth Cleaning, below are just a few more things to think about before putting it off.
Prevent Gum Disease
Regular dental cleanings can help to prevent gingivitis. Some patients don’t realize that this fairly common disease can, if left unchecked for long enough, progress into a more serious condition known as periodontitis that affects both gum tissue and nearby bone. Not everyone realizes that gum disease is actually one of the most common causes of tooth loss. Regular home care including daily brushing and flossing can go a long way toward keeping it at bay, but professional cleanings are still needed to ensure gum health.
Prevent Bad Breath
Halitosis, or, more simply, bad breath, is almost always the result of poor oral hygiene or underlying dental problems that have not been diagnosed. Nobody wants to feel self-conscious when they open their mouths to speak, but not everyone realizes that there is a direct correlation between having bad breath and skipping those six month cleanings and evaluations.
Have Whiter Teeth
When a dentist performs a professional Teeth Cleaning he or she can remove most stains from tobacco, coffee, and tea that cannot be addressed with regular brushing and flossing. The hygienist will also polish the patient’s teeth to help them shine brighter and whiter with no need for ineffective and expensive over-the-counter whitening solutions.
Catch Problems Early
During the cleaning visit a dentist will also perform a basic evaluation, including screening for oral cancer, looking for cavities, and generally checking up on the overall condition of the patient’s teeth. That means if something is wrong a treatment plan can be established early on while the issues are still easier to fix. Without regular cleanings and evaluations a simple cavity can turn into a larger, more painful, and more costly to fix problem.
Convinced it’s time to stop putting off that much-needed dental check-up? Contact Robert S. Ogden DDS PA to book an appointment for a cleaning and evaluation today.
