You may have heard that a professional teeth cleaning is recommended every six months, or maybe you just know that your dental insurance covers them twice a year. But why are these cleanings recommended so frequently?
Getting your teeth cleaned regularly is an important part of oral health and overall physical health. Here are a few of the things regular cleanings will do for you.
Minimize dental work for cavities and decay
Getting your teeth cleaned helps to prevent cavities by eliminating plaque and bacteria before they can do their worst, but it also gives your hygienist and dentist an opportunity to see what’s going on in your mouth. They can identify problems such as cavities and damage to existing work before they start causing you problems, and fix them before the problem becomes an even bigger one.
Prevent gum disease
Gum disease is a problem that can lead to tooth loss in later years by weakening the bone that holds the teeth in place. With so much at stake, it’s important to keep the bacteria in your mouth at bay. Regular cleanings remove plaque every six months, keeping bacteria at bay, and also gives the professionals a chance to identify what you need to work on more.
Catch oral cancer early
Oral cancer kills another American every hour. With a professional looking inside your mouth every six months, oral cancer can be detected in the early stages, dramatically improving the chances of successful treatment.
Improve overall health
You’d be surprised how many areas of your health are impacted by what’s going on in your mouth. For instance, regular teeth cleanings may decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as help your blood sugars to stay more stable and better controlled if you are diabetic.
Help you look and feel better
Last but certainly not least, getting your teeth cleaned regularly is important simply because it does so much to help you look and feel better. Regular cleanings help to remove stains from coffee, tea, and smoking, keeping your teeth whiter and your smile brighter. Getting your teeth cleaned will also keep your breath smelling fresher, which in turn can help to boost your confidence.
Missing that six-month dental cleaning may seem like no big deal, but there’s more riding on it than most people realize. Not just your oral health, but many different factors of your overall health could be at stake. When you consider this, it puts into perspective the fairly insignificant time commitment and expense, particularly if the cleanings are already covered by your dental insurance.
Ready to do something positive for your health as well as your self-image? Call Oso Marguerite Dental today or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
