Do regular teeth cleanings matter?
Some people may think that regular tooth cleanings are a waste of time. If you’re keeping up with your brushing and flossing, there isn’t a reason to visit the dentist more than once a year or so, right? And if your teeth don’t hurt, they must be fine, right? That isn’t true at all. Twice yearly teeth cleanings and dental checkups are part of a healthy oral health care routine and shouldn’t be skipped.
At Cumming, Georgia’s Dentistry at Windermere, our team is ready to help you take the best care of your teeth, which include professional teeth cleanings at least twice a year. Read on to learn more about why regular dental cleanings and checkups are important, not only for your teeth, but your overall health.
Preventing Cavities and Gum Disease
A good oral health routine begins with brushing twice daily for at least two minutes, and flossing at least once a day. Make sure you are using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to fortify teeth.
Using the correct toothbrush is also important. Look for a toothbrush with soft bristles and a head that fits properly in your mouth. If a toothbrush’s head is too big, you won’t be able to maneuver it in your mouth properly to clean all sides of your teeth.
The question of whether to use a manual or an electric toothbrush is a matter of personal choice. An electric toothbrush can give your teeth a better clean, but they come with an additional cost and are not as portable as a manual toothbrush.
A proper dental evaluation and checkup is another important part of a healthy dental routine. During a routine dental cleaning, your dentist is able to focus on all of your teeth. Our professional equipment is able to remove plaque and tartar buildup on teeth that regular brushing isn’t able to. During these routine evaluations, the team at Windermere can check for early signs of tooth decay and gum inflammation.
Without a professional cleaning, plaque can build up on the teeth and gumline, which can then lead to gingivitis, or early gum disease. If left alone, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, or severe gum disease. If your gums get to this stage, tooth decay and tooth loss can happen if it isn’t taken care of in a timely manner.
Protecting Your Overall Health
The mouth is the window to many of your body’s essential systems, like your cardiovascular system and the digestive system. That is why proper dental health is key to preventing other health conditions.
Gum health has been linked to heart health, diabetes, and other health conditions. One of the things that can cause health issues is bad bacteria, which can be linked to the mouth. Keeping up on proper brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings help keep bad bacteria, plaque, and tartar at bay. Reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth by brushing and flossing it away helps to reduce the strain on the body to fight off the bacteria.
Saving Money Long Term
Preventive dental care can help save you money in the long run. At Windemere, our team encourages patients to visit our office at least twice a year for a thorough dental evaluation and cleaning. These regular dental visits can catch dental problems early, like a small cavity, before they become large dental issues that may need a root canal to fix. Regular dental visits help to prevent costly (and painful) fillings, root canals, or surgery, to fix a major dental issue.
A Cleaner, Brighter Smile
One of the highlights of visiting Windermere twice a year is the professional polishing our team will give your teeth. During a professional polishing, our team will use a special gritty toothpaste that helps to remove stains and polish up your teeth. After your cleaning, you’ll get a boost of confidence and will love showing off how dazzling your smile looks. As an added bonus, you’ll find your breath feels fresher!
Schedule your appointment today.
Professional dental cleanings are an important part of a healthy oral health routine. A professional cleaning and dental checkup allows our dentists to fully evaluate your mouth, where we can observe any dental issues that may be hidden. Through the use of dental X-rays, the Windermere team can see any hidden cavities or other dental issues that might not be visible to the naked eye. If you decide to skip a cleaning or two, that gives those small dental issues the chance to become large dental problems.
Give yourself a little peace of mind and call us today to schedule your next professional cleaning and checkup. We can’t wait to see you!
