Importance of Routine Teeth Cleanings

Most of us are taught from a very early age that we need to brush our teeth to keep them clean and healthy. And many of us have maintained this habit through into adulthood, and we now brush twice each day, remember to floss and use a fluoride mouthwash so that we can keep dental decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems at bay. Your dentist will agree that robust, at-home dental care is one of the best ways to protect the function and appearance of your teeth, but there are also other important things that you can be doing to minimize your risk of dental problems. One of these is attending routine teeth cleanings with your dentist or hygienist. 

 

What are Routine Teeth Cleanings?

Routine teeth cleanings are usually recommended for all patients, irrespective of their age. As their name suggests, they are appointments that are carried out by a professional with the goal of ensuring that your teeth are as clean as possible. Although brushing and flossing is a very effective way of removing the plaque that continually builds on our teeth and can cause decay and gum disease, the fact that we cannot see every part of each of our teeth means that there may be areas that are being overlooked. If plaque isn’t removed, over time it can harden into what is known as calculus. Calculus appears as hard, brownish-yellow deposits on the teeth. Calculus can’t be removed using a toothbrush or any other at-home dental equipment. Instead, it requires professional dental tools to clear it away. 

 

The Importance of Routine Teeth Cleanings

There are a number of reasons why attending routine teeth cleanings is very important and you should ensure that you stick to the schedule recommended to you by your dentist. 

Identify dental problems early

One of the biggest benefits of routine teeth cleanings is that they give your dentist the opportunity to monitor the condition of your teeth. In doing so, they will be able to detect developing problems early on and before they cause you pain, unpleasant symptoms, and a great deal of expense to treat them. 

Oral cancer statistics show early diagnosis is crucial

Cancer can affect all areas of the body, including our mouths. Studies show that in the United States, one person dies from oral cancer every hour. As with most other cancers, the earlier oral cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis for the patient. A dental cleaning provides your dentist with the opportunity to detect any abnormalities which could prove to be cancerous. 

Keep gum disease a bay

Many people think that decay is the biggest consequence of neglecting their oral hygiene, but there is a range of other issues that can occur, including gum disease. Gum disease is often overlooked because the initial symptoms of the condition are mild and easily ignored. However, left untreated, gum disease can cause serious infection within the soft tissue, deterioration of the jawbone, changing facial structure, and tooth loss. 

Advanced gum disease could put your overall health at risk

Gum disease is progressive, and research has found that if you ignore it, you may be more likely to develop a range of chronic and even life-threatening health problems. These include:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Cancer

• Hypertension

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Liver disease

• Kidney problems

• Stroke

Fortunately, a professional dental clean will remove all plaque and tartar build-up, which in turn will reduce your risk of severe gum disease and its associated conditions. 

Clean teeth look healthier and more attractive

Unsurprisingly, people are seriously turned off by dirty teeth. Bright, clean teeth are considered to look much more attractive, while people perceive to be happier, healthier, and more successful too. 

If you would like more information about routine teeth cleanings, or to schedule an appointment with our friendly dental team in New Orleans, LA, please give us a call today.