Brushing and flossing your teeth is a great way to keep them clean, but you should also have your teeth cleaned by a dentist every six months. Regular teeth cleanings are essential to maintaining oral health, even if you take good care of your teeth at home.

1. Cleans Your Dental Appliances

Most dental appliances, such as crowns, bridges, and implants, are cleaned like your natural teeth. Therefore, your dentist can clean your appliances during your visit. Keeping your dental appliances clean ensures they last for years to come, and dental implants can last about 10 to 30 years with proper care.

1. Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease causes sensitivity, bad breath, bleeding and receding gums, and even tooth loss. Regular teeth cleanings also remove the bacteria that lead to gum disease caused by plaque buildup on your teeth and along the gum line. Your dentist can also provide tips on keeping your gums clean and healthy at home.

1. Reduces Risk of Cavities

When plaque hardens into tartar, a professional cleaning is required. Your toothbrush alone will not remove the tartar. Fortunately, your dentist uses special tools to remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that weaken the enamel and lead to cavities. Plus, they can clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.

1. Disease Detection and Prevention

Your dentist checks your mouth during cleanings for infections and diseases, including gum disease and oral cancer. By visiting the dentist at least twice a year, you can stay on top of these conditions. Early detection is important for treating and curing oral diseases before they progress.

1. Maintains Your Physical Health

Believe it or not, good oral hygiene reduces your risk of life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For example, gum disease causes inflammation, leading to hypertension, narrowed vessels, and reduced circulation. These conditions increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.

1. Reduces Bad Breath

Removing plaque and tartar does more than prevent cavities and diseases. It also keeps bad breath at bay. A buildup of bacteria is bound to give off an odor, and your mouth is no exception. Your dentist ensures your mouth is clean and healthy, and you can enjoy a fresh taste after your cleaning. No matter how many mints or how much mouthwash you use, regularly cleaning your teeth by the dentist is the most effective way to reduce bad breath.

1. Leaves Your Smile Brighter

Coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and certain foods can stain your teeth over time. Depending on the stain itself, at-home whitening treatments may not be enough. Regular cleanings allow your dentist to remove those stains and polish your teeth. When you walk out of the office, you can enjoy a brighter smile and increased confidence.

It is a common misconception that you do not need teeth cleanings if you have good oral hygiene at home. However, regular teeth cleanings are a part of good oral hygiene. Your dentist not only removes the bacteria that cause several conditions but also identifies problems before they become worse. If you have not scheduled your next dentist appointment, now is a good time to add teeth cleaning to your schedule.

Published by Rain S.