We’ve all heard it before – I brush and floss every day so why do I need to go to the dentist for a cleaning?
While daily dental hygiene is critical to the health of your mouth, there are several reasons why visits to your dentist are still necessary.
During your dental check-up, your mouth is carefully checked to detect any cavities, deformities, swelling or even signs of oral cancer. Your dentist will also look for tartar build-up or problems with your gums. It is important to detect and diagnose issues as early as possible in order to prevent a small dental problem from becoming a big and painful dental problem.
You will also receive a thorough cleaning during your dental check-up. While every time you brush and floss, you help to remove the soft plaque and excess food particles that may have been lodged on or in-between your teeth, only a dentist or hygienist can remove the excess plaque daily brushing and flossing can’t reach. And when plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and result in tartar which can only be removed through a procedure called scaling. Once the cleaning is completed, your teeth will be polished and a paste will be put on to help remove any surface stains. The result – a beautiful and healthy smile.
So what are some effects of not having regular dental cleanings? For one, tartar build-up can lead to tooth decay as well as gum disease and inflammation. Moreover, if a cavity is left untreated, it will continue to open up the tooth causing pain and discomfort.
There are also several health benefits of going to your regular dental cleaning:
– Besides the cleaning and checkup, studies have shown that regular dental cleanings can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
-Who doesn’t want to have a whiter smile? A visit to the dentist will help remove stains and polishing will brighten your teeth.
-Regular dental cleanings will help to improve bad breath by removing bacteria from leftover food particles.
Most insurance plans cover dental cleanings every six months so why take chances with your health? Smiles Unlimited Dentistry, P.C., is available to help you maintain good oral hygiene. Call today to set up an appointment!