Most people know that they should be visiting their Dentist every six months or so for a Teeth cleaning, but they don’t always stop to think why this is so important. They might see such visits as nothing more than routine checkups, and that most teeth cleaning is done at home when we brush and floss every day. Well, it turns out that while brushing your teeth regularly is still vital to your oral hygiene, a regular teeth cleaning from your dentist is still just as important. Here are just a few reasons why.
Teeth Cleaning Prevents Cavities
The most obvious reason why you should be going to your dentist is to prevent cavities. Cavities are formed when the acidic plaque on your teeth eats away at the enamel, and while brushing and flossing at home will remove this plaque, it never does as thorough of a job as a teeth cleaning from your dentist.
It Also Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection in the tissues surrounding your teeth. Like a cavity, it is caused by a buildup of plaque that goes unchecked for a period of time. If left untreated, gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen and eventually fall out, so it is vital that it be addressed as early as possible by your dentist.
Teeth Cleaning Gives You a Brighter Smile
Even if you brush your teeth every day, they might still be slightly stained if you drink a lot of coffee and tea or smoke cigarettes. A thorough dental cleaning can remove these stains and give you whiter teeth. And yes, there are teeth whitening products available over the counter, but they still won’t work as well as a treatment from your dentist.
Freshening Your Breath
Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash regularly is a good way to keep your breath reasonably fresh, but once again they still don’t work as well as a teeth cleaning. If you have persistent bad breath even with regular brushing and flossing, a trip to the dentist may be in order.
Your Dentist Can Help Detect Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious problem that is said to kill one American every hour according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Early detection is essential for fighting this form of cancer, and your dentist can certainly provide you with that.
It Improves Your Overall Health
Studies have shown a clear connection between oral health and overall health. Regular teeth cleanings can help lower the risk of health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and the signs of many potentially life-threatening conditions may be found during a trip to the dentist.
Even though a lot of people might not think a regular trip to the dentist is that important, it is obvious that regular teeth cleanings are vital to your health. There are plenty of things you can do at home such as brushing your teeth and cutting down on foods that can stain your teeth, but none of them will be as important to your dental health as what your dentist can do for you. There are many highly qualified dentists in and around the Anaheim area, so shop around and find the right dentist for you.
