Benefits to Professional Dental Cleanings
We’re all busy. Today’s Americans have so many things on their to-do list that it has become easier and easier to forego routine appointments with their doctor and dentist. Does this sound like you? If so, welcome to the club. But just because you’re busy and trying to focus on what you think is the most important task, doesn’t mean that skipping professional cleanings at the dentist should sit at the bottom of that to-do list. There are several benefits to regular dental cleanings.
Have you paid a visit to your local dentist in the last year? In the least, have you searched online for a “dentist near me,” thinking that you would get around to it once you got caught up on everything else you needed to do? The truth of it is that professional dental cleanings aren’t just to help keep your smile looking its best. Professional dental cleanings play an importantrole in preventing a variety of serious illnesses.
When we don’t take care of our oral health, not only are we more susceptible to medical and dental disorders, such as strokes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, bone loss, and more, but we are also more likely to experience tooth pain and cavities. So, check out our list of 6 benefits to professional dental cleanings, and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist in the Middletown, Ohio, area.
1. Healthy Teeth and Gums
Having your teeth professionally cleaned by your local dentist can prevent gum disease, which leads to early tooth loss. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease, which affects the soft tissues on the inside of your mouth. When you fail to treat this illness, it can spread to the bone supporting and holding in your teeth. When this occurs, it can cause your teeth to become loose, and eventually, it can also lead to tooth loss. So, when you get regular professional dental cleanings, at least twice per year, you do your body and mouth a huge favor and significantly increase the likelihood of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
2. Catch Gum Disease Early
As we mentioned above, periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease. With professional dental cleanings, you increase your gums’ health just by having a dentist clean your mouth and look for early signs of future problems. Early detection and prevention can significantly reduce your chances of developing gum disease.
3. Prevent Cavities and Toothaches
Cavities, also referred to as dental caries, result from tooth decay. Tooth decay is formed by acids produced by the bacteria found in the plaque that forms on your teeth. The damage from tooth decay leads to the formation of cavities that require professional treatment. Your Middletown, OH, dentist can remove the tooth decay and fill the cavity, preventing toothaches and lessening your need for a home toothache remedy. If you require toothache relief, the best thing you can do is schedule a professional dental cleaning.
4. Early Signs of Oral Cancer
There it is, the C-word. Cancer. Oral cancer represents 3% of cancers diagnosed in the United States. With 30,000 cases diagnosed each year, and 8000 oral cancer deaths each year, it’s no joke. During your professional dental cleaning, your dentist will assess you for signs of oral cancer. By looking for early warning signs and asking questions about your oral health and habits, you can significantly reduce your oral cancer risks by catching it early.
5. Time and Money
When you see your dentist at least twice a year for professional dental cleaning, you’ll save yourself more time and money than you might realize. Sure, you need to find the time to get to the dentist for those visits, but failing to make that time might mean a greater risk of a toothache or other oral health issues. And that will mean more stops later and more expenses out of pocket. Many dentists serve as same-day dentists, which means that if a concern is identified during your visit, you might be able to receive treatment on the same day, adding extra convenience for busy Americans.
6. Whole-body Health
As you know, your mouth is part of your entire digestive system. As such, your mouth serves as the gateway to the rest of your body. If you are experiencing pain and inflammation in your mouth, it is like a megaphone telling you that something is wrong. So, if you’re experiencing tooth pain, inflammation, or bleeding, or if you have tooth erosion or halitosis that doesn’t seem to go away when you brush twice a day, floss once a day, and practice healthy dental habits, it is a warning signal to you that something is going on with your overall health. A healthy mouth is a sign of a healthy body, so it pays to listen to the warning signs.
Experience these benefits by scheduling a professional dental cleaning today.
If you haven’t seen the dentist in a year or more, it is time to get in for a professional dental cleaning. The longer you go without an oral assessment and cleaning, the more likely you will develop serious oral health issues that could have been otherwise prevented. Regular dental checkups improve your overall health too, so what are you waiting for?
Request an appointment with Dr. Steven A. Lang by completing our online form. In just an hour every six months, Dr. Lang will ensure you leave with a clean mouth and will assess you for oral health risks. Professional dental cleanings are simply a must-have and must-do for busy professionals and adults who want to save time and money and stay healthy so that they can focus on what matters.