You may be wondering if you really need to go in for a cleaning every 6 months as recommended? Even if you brush and floss daily, or aren’t experiencing any toothaches or discomfort in your gums or mouth in general, it’s highly recommended to get regular cleanings, and here’s why.
Detect Early Signs of Problems
During your visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums thoroughly, searching for any tender spots, inflammation, or lesions. They will look for any issues like faulty fillings or even the smallest cracks in your tooth that might not be detectable by your own eye. An oral cancer screening is also part of a preventive exam. When one skips a visit, potential problems do not get treated in a timely manner. The result is often that the problem, which might have been solved with a simple solution, could now require a more complicated and costly treatment.
Clean Out Plaque
When you get your teeth professionally cleaned, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar in places that cannot be scrubbed out by a toothbrush. With expert tools, a dental professional will clean hard-to-reach areas like the backs of your molars. If needed, they’ll also use a scaler to reach below and above your gum line. Removing plaque and tartar is crucial to preventing bacterial infections that can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
Brighter Smile
Another benefit of regular cleanings is leaving the dentist with a whiter smile! Not only will your hygienist or dentist remove all the gunk and food lodged in your teeth, but they will also polish your teeth. This can remove stains that dull and discolor teeth. It’s not the same as professional whitening, but the cleaning and polishing provides a brighter, healthier looking smile.
Routine Exam & Dental Cleanings at Prestige Family Dentistry
Following through on your six-month cleanings is taking preventive action to protect your teeth from serious damage. It’s also a crucial part of keeping up with good oral hygiene. At our Flower Mound office, we do routine exams and cleanings for adults and children. If you haven’t been to a dentist in a while, get your checkup scheduled today!
