6 Beneficial Reasons of Dental Cleanings

Think about the last time you visited the dentist. Was it over 6 months ago? If so, you are overdue for a visit to the dentist. Regardless if your teeth are cavity-free; you shouldn’t only visit the dentist when you experience tooth pain, but also to go for your dental cleanings at least twice a year (every 6 months).

You may brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, but professional dental cleanings not only keep your smile looking bright but they have a significant impact on your general health. When you neglect your cleanings, it may cause several serious illnesses (believe it or not). Some associated medical and dental issues include bone loss, cardiovascular disease, strokes, cancers, and many other problems. When you visit your dentist, you should always be scheduling regular checkups and annual dental cleanings with the dental hygienist.

If you’re still wondering why our teeth need dental cleanings, here are six reasons professional dental cleanings are so important:

1.  Gum Disease – Gum disease is infection of tissues surrounding your teeth, and one of the major causes of bone loss if left untreated. When you visit your dentist for a dental cleaning, he/she can check for early signs of gum disease and can help prevent it.

2. Whiter and Brighter Smile – Your dental hygienist can remove most of the stains that dull and discolor your teeth, so you’ll be left with a bright, whiter smile.

3. Maintain Good Oral Health – Regular dental visits will help your hygienist to follow your oral health and compare them with the previous results, and should you fall off track, your hygienist will put you back on the right track. When you visit your dentist, he/she will look closely for any signs of problems with your teeth and gums, and the earlier these problems are detected, the easier and less expensive to treat and have a better prognosis.

4. Prevent Cavities – Plaque easily builds up on your teeth and leads to tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth enamel and, if left untreated, can lead to cavities. While you should already be brushing and flossing daily, your dental cleanings are a huge part of preventing cavities.

5. Help to Detect Oral Cancer – According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. Visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings will allow him/her to thoroughly check and screen for oral cancer. Early diagnosis of oral cancer is very important in improving of the prognosis of cancer.

6. Save Money – You should really get the most value from your dental benefits. Most Delta Dental plans have low or no copayments/coinsurance for dental cleanings and oral exams. If you take advantage of your benefits now, you may be able to save money in the long run by helping to protect your oral health and potentially avoid more costly and extensive procedures.

Remember your oral health is just as important as your overall wellbeing. Don’t neglect your dentist cleanings and schedule an appointment with your dentist today!