The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your dentist at least one time a year for a routine exam and dental cleaning. However, seeing a dentist every six months is ideal. People with a history of periodontal disease or who suffer from chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes should visit their dentist more often due to their higher risk of developing dental problems.
While brushing and flossing at home can go a long way towards maintaining a healthy smile, regular check-ups with an experienced dental professional are critical for keeping your teeth and gums in optimal condition. Here are just a few reasons why dental cleanings are so important and what to expect when you schedule an appointment to see your dentist.
Prevent Tooth Decay
One of the biggest benefits of dental cleanings is the prevention of tooth decay. Cavities form when
plaque buildup on the teeth combines with sugars and create acids that attack tooth enamel. It can be difficult to remove stubborn plaque with a toothbrush alone, making regular dentist visits a must. During your dental cleaning, your dentist in Clermont will scrape away plaque and tartar to reduce the risk of decay.
Avoid Gum Disease
Having your teeth professionally cleaned at least once per year can help prevent the formation of gum disease. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a type of serious gum infection. This infection damages soft tissues and can ultimately destroy the bone that supports your teeth. While common, gum disease is avoidable with proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as regular checkups at your Clermont dental practice.
Ward Off Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by odor-producing bacteria in the mouth. There are several causes of bad breath, ranging from poor oral health habits to certain health conditions like diabetes and gastrointestinal issues. Some foods can also cause bad breath, such as cheese, orange juice, soda, pastrami, certain spices, and alcohol. Practicing good oral hygiene, drinking lots of water, and avoiding bad habits like smoking and chewing tobacco can help reduce or prevent bad breath. Your dentist can help determine the underlying cause of your bad breath and recommend treatment.
Detect Oral Cancer
Oral cancer typically appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that will not go away. Each year, more than 50,000 people in the United States get diagnosed with oral cancer. Approximately 70 percent of these people are men. When oral cancer is caught early, it is easier for doctors to treat. Keeping up with your dental cleanings can help ensure that any signs or symptoms of oral cancer are noticed before the condition worsens.
Look for Damage
A dental cleaning is a perfect time to look for potential damage in the mouth. These can be issues such as broken crowns, cracked fillings, or other issues that could be causing symptoms now or likely will in the future. A patient may be experiencing symptoms like cold sensitivity or pain when chewing and not know why. When they visit a dentist for a routine cleaning, an exam is performed that looks for these types of problems.
Remove Stains
Stains on the teeth can develop for a variety of reasons. Extrinsic stains are caused by something that comes in contact with the teeth, such as food or drink. Intrinsic stains are caused by something inside the body. A person may also experience age-related stains that occur later in life. Tea, coffee, wine, cola, and certain fruits and vegetables are major culprits of tooth staining. Fortunately, most surface stains can be removed during a routine trip to the dentist.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings are one of the best things you can do to take care of your smile. At our Clermont family dentistry office, we recommend keeping your teeth and gums clean and in good condition by visiting us regularly.
When you schedule a dental cleaning, you can expect to receive a thorough exam of your mouth and a deep clean using special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup. To learn more about dental cleanings or to schedule an appointment,
contact the friendly dental team at
Hancock Village Dental.
