When you brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day, you can lower plaque and tartar buildup. Sadly, you may not be able to reach every area of your mouth in which plaque and tartar tend to accumulate. Left alone, these substances can hurt your gums and raise the risk of periodontal disease. The bacteria they harbor produce acids that eat away at dental enamel and result in tooth decay. Even if you are careful about maintaining good oral hygiene, and you brush and floss your teeth according to recommendations, twice a year dental cleanings can provide you with a variety of cosmetic and oral health benefits.
Gum disease is an infection in the tissues that support your teeth. In its earliest stages, it may appear as redness, swelling and bleeding when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, it can progress and lead to receding gums, persistently bad breath and loose or lost teeth. Periodontal disease is linked to poor oral hygiene, however it also has hereditary factors. By visiting your dentist regularly, you maximize your chances of catching it in its earliest, most treatable form and saving your natural teeth.
A complete professional cleaning by your dentist or hygienist can also help them catch symptoms of dental disease, usually at the earliest stages. Cavities, broken fillings or loose crowns can all cause serious problems if left untreated. An untreated cavity can worsen quickly if it is not addressed, while bacteria and plaque can leak around loose dental fillings or crowns, infecting the pulp of the affected tooth and resulting in the need for a root canal or even extraction.
Your dentist will also check your mouth for signs of more serious conditions at your biannual dental cleaning. Oral cancer may start as a small spot or sore that does not heal. Other conditions, such as diabetes, can have oral signs. Certain medications can affect the health of your mouth or raise your risk of periodontal disease. This is also a great time for you to ask any questions about your oral health or any dental treatments in which you are interested, such as teeth whitening.
Ultimately, regular dental cleanings are a great way to assess your own oral hygiene habits. Your dentist or hygienist can let you know if there are spots you are regularly missing or if your flossing method needs to be fine-tuned. You can learn about new products or techniques that may be specially beneficial for you. Your teeth will be polished of superficial stains at your dental cleaning, and you will have a bright, fresh smile. If you have not had a professional cleaning in more than six months, it is time to call and schedule yours today.
Dr. Afar advises individuals to have professional teeth cleaning as well as dental exam every six months to ensure the health of their teeth.