Reasons Why Getting a Teeth Cleaning is Important

Getting regular teeth cleaning is essential for having good dental hygiene. Sure, brushing twice a day and flossing goes a long way, but that is not enough to prevent specific dental issues like tartar buildup. Tartar is what plaque turns into when it is left on teeth for prolonged periods.  Although brushing and flossing are enough to keep tartar buildup at a bare minimum, it will eventually accumulate over time.

Having good oral hygiene is not just beneficial for aesthetic reasons. There are a handful of dental issues and general health problems that have been linked to poor dental hygiene. Some of these include strokes, cancer, bone loss, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and heart attacks.

Routine teeth cleanings are crucial 

Dentists recommend coming in for teeth cleaning twice a year, and this has been proven to ward off most dental issues when combined with regular brushing and flossing.

Let us take a look at nine reasons why regular dental cleanings are an essential part of oral health:

1. Patients end up with a whiter, brighter smile. Tartar gives teeth a yellow tint, and it is more susceptible to staining than teeth enamel. Removing it removes the yellow tint it gives teeth and any stains on them.
2. Helps to prevent gum disease which can lead to tooth loss and other health issues.
3. Oral cancer is responsible for a death every hour in the U.S., yet most cases can be treated when detected early. Oral evaluations are performed before cleanings, and this gives the dentist two chances to identify developing problems in their early stages.
4. Gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular disease. Teeth cleanings help to reduce the patient's odds of developing gum disease, and this, in turn, reduces the odds of the patient developing cardiovascular problems.
5. Teeth cleanings give dentists an opportunity to detect other issues like cavities, broken prosthetics and tooth fractures.
6. Dental cleanings are one of the cheapest treatments performed by dentists, and they are covered by most insurance plans.
7. Regular teeth cleanings give dentists the opportunity to compare the condition of a patient's mouth to the way it was during the previous visit. This makes it easier to detect if the patient's oral health is deteriorating. As a general rule, the earlier an issue is identified, the cheaper it is to fix.
8. It helps to treat bad breath and prevent it.
9. Regular check-ups and dental cleanings help prevent and resolve persistent bad breath.

What to expect during teeth cleaning

A tooth cleaning is a straightforward procedure. The dentist begins with an evaluation of the patient's mouth; then tartar is removed using a metal tool. The dentist polishes the patient's teeth after scraping off all the tartar on it and will finish up by flossing the person's teeth. Depending on their condition, a fluoride treatment may be administered. This protects teeth from decay for months at a time.

We are always here to help! 

Contact one of our dentists to learn more about dental cleanings. We can help guide you in making the best decisions for your teeth and oral health! 

Request a dental appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago dental office.