The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist once every six months for regular cleaning and examination. While it may seem like a very routine task, these visits are actually your best defense against tooth decay and gum disease. Let’s look at the key benefits of regular teeth cleaning.
Key Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleaning
Whenever you go in for your regular teeth cleaning in Irvine your oral health team does a lot more than just giving your teeth a good scrub. These key benefits make your bi-annual dental appointments 100% worth it.
Catching Flaws in Your Routine
Ideally, we should each be brushing our teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash daily. Even if you follow these guidelines, it is still possible to miss certain spots.
If you aren’t reaching the back molars or are using too much pressure while you brush, it is possible that you aren’t completely removing the bacteria that could cause plaque to build on your teeth.
By going to see your dental hygienist for a cleaning every six months, you are giving them the opportunity to note patterns in your daily oral hygiene. Your hygienist can then remove the excess plaque and make suggestions to help prevent build-up in the future.
Providing a Blank Slate
Assuming you do not have any serious dental health concerns, going to the dentist every six months will essentially give you a fresh start each time. None of us are perfect when it comes to our dental hygiene, and we’re sure to miss a spot or two even when we’re diligent.
Your regular cleanings help to make up for those lapses. With professional tools and training, your dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar in cases where brushing and flossing will no longer suffice. When you leave, you’ll notice your smile is squeaky clean.
Identifying Potential Problems
Your dental specialist in Irvine isn’t just poking around for fun when they do their bi-annual examination. The health of your mouth is important to your general health, and their examination helps to ensure that everything looks healthy.
If you have an infection or decay, they can easily lead to much more complicated problems with the potential to spread through your bone and bloodstream. By having a check-up twice a year, you ensure that all potential problems are caught before they become that serious.
Screening for Cancer
Speaking of serious health concerns, your regular teeth cleanings are also a non-invasive cancer screening. When your dentist is doing their examination, they aren’t just looking for cavities and gum disease.
Your dentist will check the:
- Inside of your cheeks
- Back of your throat
- Roof of your mouth
- And around your tongue
All for any suspicious signs that could indicate cancer. By seeing your dentist every six months, you are increasing the odds that any potential cancer will be caught early when it is easily treatable.
Maintaining Your Smile
Of course, the health of your mouth is most important, but having a beautiful smile doesn’t hurt. Getting a regular dental cleaning can help to reduce the appearance of staining while keeping your teeth beautifully healthy.
If you have noticeable staining despite your regular visits to the dentist, then you should discuss the option of professional teeth whitening with your local dentist’s office. Together, daily oral hygiene, regular teeth cleanings, and the occasional whitening treatment will keep your smile bright.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are an important part of self-care and general health. If you have more questions regarding dental cleanings and their role in your health care, talk to your local dentist.