Only 63% of US adults have visited their dentist in the past year. Meanwhile, over 25% of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 have untreated cavities. If you’re neglecting routine dental cleanings, you could put your oral health at risk.
Instead, read on to discover how a dental cleaning can benefit your oral and overall health. After reviewing this guide, you could discover it’s time for your next appointment.
Read on to discover the benefits of professional oral care today!
1. Early Detection
Without the proper experience and expertise, you might not recognize there’s an issue with your oral health until it’s too late. A problem with your oral health could eventually lead to a problem that affects your overall health. For example, bacteria could enter your bloodstream, putting you at risk of complications.
Scheduling routine dental cleanings with your local dentist gives your dental team the chance to assess your oral health. They can determine if you have any issues before they develop further.
For example, you could have symptoms that indicate gum disease in its early stage, gingivitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. Left unattended, your teeth could loosen until they fall out.
Periodontal disease can put you at risk of serious health issues if left untreated.
Your dentist can assess your oral health to look for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other issues. For example, signs of a cavity could include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Toothaches
- Visible pits in your teeth
- White, black, or brown staining
- Pain when you bite down
You might experience mild or sharp pain when eating/drinking hot, sweet, or cold foods or beverages, only to shrug it off.
While you might not recognize the signs of an oral health issue, your dentist will. They can ensure you begin treatment right away. Beginning treatment while an oral health issue is in the initial stages can help you avoid a more complex procedure.
2. Brighten Your Smile
Routine appointments can improve the appearance of your smile, too.
If you’re neglecting to brush and floss thoroughly, bacteria can mix with your saliva and food particles to form plaque. This tacky substance can cling to the surface of or between your teeth. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, putting your oral health at risk.
Your teeth might begin to look discolored, too.
Certain foods, beverages, and even medications can also cause discoloration.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist. They can help your teeth shine and sparkle with professional services. They can also help you discover ways to minimize plaque formation.
Improving the appearance of your smile can boost your self-confidence, benefiting your daily life.
3. Avoid Cavities
Plaque contains millions of bacteria that can eat away at your protective tooth enamel over time. When it’s not removed, plaque can harden into tartar. You’ll need to schedule a dental appointment to have tartar removed by your dentist or hygienist.
Otherwise, your teeth will begin to appear discolored. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease will increase.
If you develop a cavity, you’ll need to schedule a filling procedure before the tiny holes in your teeth continue to expand.
4. Healthy Gums
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that occurs due to bacterial infection. Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Sensitive teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Pain when chewing
- Foul-smelling breath
- Gums that pull away from the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or tender
- Partial dentures that no longer fit
- Malocclusion (a change in how your teeth fit together)
If these symptoms sound familiar, schedule an appointment with your local dentist right away. Otherwise, make sure to schedule routine appointments. Your dentist can help minimize your risk of gum disease.
If you’ve already developed gingivitis, they can ensure you begin treatment before it progresses to periodontal disease.
Otherwise, periodontal disease can increase your risk of stroke, lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes.
5. Prevent Bad Breath
Visiting your local dentist can also help prevent bad breath. Otherwise, food particle build-up and bad dental hygiene can cause a foul odor.
You could struggle to feel comfortable in social settings if you can’t get rid of your bad breath by brushing. Remember, foul breath is sometimes a sign of gum disease, too.
6. Improved Overall Health
Visiting your dentist every six months can benefit your overall health as well. Otherwise, poor dental hygiene can increase your risk of:
- Endocarditis
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Pneumonia
Routine appointments can keep harmful bacteria from entering your bloodstream. You can minimize your risk of health issues before they develop.
7. Save Time and Money
Regular appointments at your local dentist’s office can help you avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend a lot of money treating these oral health problems. You’ll likely need to schedule multiple appointments to fully resolve the issue, too.
Routine appointments can help you save time and money before an oral health issue occurs. You can rely on early detection and prevention to keep your mouth healthy and clean.
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning Today
Skipping dental cleanings could put your oral and overall health at risk. Instead, schedule a dental cleaning appointment every six months. With each checkup, you can ensure your teeth and gums are in the best possible state.
Improve the state of your smile and oral hygiene with a professional cleaning today.
Ready to improve your smile with your next dental appointment? We can’t wait to see you.
Contact us today to schedule your next checkup!
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