The Importance of Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Teeth are a huge part of your appearance. They make an impression on anyone you know or are meeting. Good teeth can even give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Only positive connotations are associated with a healthy mouth but crooked or damaged teeth can leave a bad impression on anyone. We take care of our face and the rest of our body with utmost care, so why do our teeth not get the same treatment? Keeping your teeth healthy is not always easy and can’t be done alone. Regular visits to your local dentist play an integral roll in maintaining a healthy mouth.
In order to understand the importance of regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups it is paramount that you know what happens at an appointment.
The check up: Your dentist will check for cavities, plaque, and tartar. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria. If not removed, plaque can harden and become tartar, which cannot be removed with brushing and flossing. Plaque and tartar build-up can cause several oral diseases as well as cause problems throughout your body. Your dentist will then check your gums and the spaces between your gums and teeth.
The cleaning: Brushing and flossing is important at home but tartar cannot be removed by yourself. During the cleaning, your dentist will scale your teeth, a process involving using special tools to remove tartar. After the scaling, your teeth will be polished. Often, a gritty paste is used in order to remove any surface stains on your teeth. Finally, your teeth will be flossed in order to clean the areas between your teeth.
Here are the top 6 reasons to see your dentist regularly:
Prevent cavities: Plaque and tartar is the leading cause of tooth decay. The acidic substance eats away at the enamel and if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Plaque can be removed from brushing and flossing but tartar can only be removed at the dentist’s office.
Avoid tooth loss: Built-up plaque can cause gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease progresses, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can damage the supporting bone in your jaw. This causes teeth to loosen and fall out. Reduce the chance of this occurring through regular visits to your dentist.
Brighten smile: Drinking and eating certain things can darken the appearance of your teeth and dampen your smile. A dental cleaning can remove stains!
Freshen breath: No one wants bad breath! Good oral hygiene is the best way to ensure fresh breath. Getting a cleaning is your best bet to ensure a healthy mouth.
Overall health: Most people don’t realize just how connected everything in the body is. If your mouth is unhealthy, your body won’t be far behind. Studies have shown that regular dental cleanings may help lower risk of various diseases including heart disease and stroke
Money: Save money by staying on top of your oral hygiene and avoiding more costly dental work.