Why should I have my teeth cleaned?

                                               




Good oral hygiene is important for the health of your teeth and gums and for your general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can help prevent these problems as well as help you to maintain good oral hygiene.

• Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated with scaling and root planning. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow which may require surgery to treat. Regular dental cleanings and check ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.

• Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every 6 months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.  

• When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist/hygienist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early. 

• Your dental hygienist will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by checking the health of your gum tissue, visual examination and comparing your previous dental check ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he / she will help put you back on the right path. 

• Your dental hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, your hygienist will also polish your teeth resulting in a whiter and brighter smile!

• Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, removal of teeth, or gum surgery could become the only treatment options available.

• Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular check ups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene. 

• Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and check ups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene.