Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

It can be easy to put it on the back burner when you’re not experiencing any issues with your oral health. But it is important to visit your local dentist for more than just toothaches and bloody gums, because regular cleanings ensure the places your toothbrush can’t reach are cleaned. Dental professionals can also identify issues before they become serious, and can prevent them from escalating.

Cleanings are a must, at least twice annually. Most dental insurance companies cover two cleanings annually, and dental insurance can be acquired fairly inexpensively for those who don’t have it through their job. Even without insurance, many offices will offer a special rate for uninsured patients, so do your homework to find what would work for you.

Inspecting for Tooth Decay: During their regular cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will check places between and around your teeth for signs of tooth decay. Professionals can identify these issues and take care of them before they get any worse.

Inspecting for Tooth Issues: In addition to checking for tooth decay, they’ll check for things like fillings that need repair, broken or cracked teeth, your bite and any other areas of concern. These are things that can be missed unless you’re looking for them, so it is important that your dental provider identify these issues and repair them before they get any worse.

Oral Cancer Screening: As a part of a regular screening, most dental offices now include an oral cancer screening when you have an office visit for a regular cleaning. This takes just a few minutes, and can catch cancer in its early stages when it has the best chance at being cured.

Plaque and Tartar Removal: Even with vigilant home oral care, plaque and tartar occur in places that you can’t reach with your toothbrush or floss. This is why it is important to see your dentist regularly so this can be removed during the cleaning.

Checking Gum Health: During your regular cleaning, your dental provider will check your gums for gum disease, gum recession and the overall health of your gums. They can identify any areas of concern and provide instruction and care.

Taking X-Rays: While your dental provider does an overall inspection of the inside of your mouth, it’s important to have x-rays taken to look for any issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, especially looking at the root of your teeth to make sure they are healthy on the inside and the out. Teeth can change over time due to lost teeth, decay, and any number of issues, so staying up to date on x-rays keeps track of these changes.

Having regular dental cleanings will ensure your mouth and teeth stay their healthiest. Staying on top of issues and stopping cavities while they are small will keep your breath fresh and your smile bright. Talk to your dental provider about setting up an appointment, and then you can get on a regular cleaning schedule. Preventing issues is better than letting them escalate and can save you money in the long run, too.