9 Reasons Regular Dental Cleanings are Important

Dental health has a significant impact on overall health and, as such, should be carefully managed.

Dental cleanings are vital to maintaining good oral health. In addition to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, dentists can see what is going on inside your mouth and treat issues that might arise early, such as cavities or gingivitis.

Regular dental visits and cleanings are essential to ensure that oral health is at an optimal level at all times.

The professionals at Rio Rancho Dentist recommend that patients visit a dental practice every six months for regular cleanings. Below are several reasons why regular dental cleanings are essential.

Prevents or Treats Cavities Early

One of the primary reasons people go to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is to prevent getting cavities.

Cleanings cost significantly less money than filling cavities or other more invasive procedures, such as root canals.

If a patient develops a cavity between dentist visits, it is better to treat and fill it early rather than wait until a small cavity becomes a large one.

Helps to Control the Buildup of Plaque

Plaque is a clear residue that forms on the outer surface of the teeth as a result of chewing food. It is a film that contains bacteria that can be harmful to the teeth if left uncontrolled.

Although a stringent oral routine can help you keep ahead of plaque, regular dental cleanings are most effective at getting rid of plaque altogether.

Removal of Tartar

When the plaque in the teeth is not managed and is left to build up, it usually develops into tartar.

Tartar is a hardened residue usually present in the hard-to-reach spots of the teeth and the lower parts of the teeth, near the gums.

It is resistant to brushing and flossing and so would need to be removed by the dentist using a scaling tool.

Prevention of Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

Gum disease starts with the build-up of plaque on your teeth and results from the degradation of the gums due to the actions of bacteria.

It is a serious issue that should be detected and treated early in the progression of the disease. As gum disease progresses, plaque spreads down the tooth, destroying the supporting bone tissue in the jaw and can cause the teeth to become loose and fall out.

Gum disease has been linked to other systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders. It also affects your oral health as it can lead to a severe deterioration of the teeth.

Getting regular dental cleanings can identify gum disease early and significantly reduce tooth loss due to the disease.

Maintaining A Healthy Mouth

Some various ailments and disorders can negatively impact your oral health. Cavities, infections, and other diseases can cause pain, tooth loss, and extensive damage to the jaw’s bones and tissues.

With regular visits to the dentist, these conditions can be prevented or detected and treated early; thus, maintaining a healthy mouth.

Helps You to Save Money

One benefit of regular dental cleanings is that it allows the dentist to detect oral issues early before requiring extensive treatment.

It also helps to prevent the development of these issues in the first place. Hence, you would be spared the cost of expensive reconstructive procedures and extensive treatments.

Keeps Your Smile Bright

Food, beverages and tobacco usually leave stains on the teeth, some of which cannot be easily removed through regular brushing.

At a dental cleaning, the dentist polishes off the stain from the teeth, leaving you with a whiter and visibly brighter smile. The dentist can also recommend teeth whitening procedures for an even more obvious result.

Prevents and Treats Mouth Odor

Mouth odor is usually caused by the presence of bacteria on the teeth and the tongue. It is a condition that negatively impacts an individual’s life as it usually erodes one’s self-confidence.

Regular cleanings help to get rid of the causative organisms. The dental professional can also recommend routines and treatments to prevent the recurrence of mouth odor.

Maintaining Dental Appliances

Dental implants and other appliances fitted into the mouth require regular maintenance and checkup to prevent maladjustments and deterioration.

At a dental visit, the dentist inspects these appliances, making adjustments where necessary and ensuring that they are positioned correctly.

They also detect issues that might potentially affect general oral health and take corrective measures.

What Does A Cleaning Entail?

Dental cleaning involves two procedures: examination and cleaning. The dentist examines the entire mouth to detect issues.

They also check the throat, neck, face, and tongue to detect any irregular swelling, inflammation or tenderness.

After a thorough inspection, the cleaning procedure is then carried out. The dentist scrapes off plaque and tartar and polishes the teeth to remove stains.

Flossing is then done to remove debris embedded between the teeth. After the procedure, the dentist often recommends dental practices that would improve oral health. Treatments are also prescribed If any disorders were detected during the examination.