Why Is It Important to Get Routine Dental Cleanings?
If you’re like most people, your teeth are important to you—you want to ensure they’re healthy and clean. That’s why it’s important to get routine dental cleanings! Dr. Fridh’s team is here to explain what dental cleaning is and why it’s such an important part of oral health care.
Routine cleanings help detect oral health issues before they become big problems and expensive dental bills. If you’re not getting regular checkups at the dentist’s office and having your teeth cleaned by a hygienist every six months or so, then you should consider making an appointment with Dr. Fridh’s team as soon as possible.
Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
We all know cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup. But why is it so important? Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. While plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing regularly, sometimes it’s not enough. Tartar forms when plaque hardens, which makes it difficult to remove. This harder tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if it’s left untreated for too long.
Routine cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about developing cavities or other oral health issues!
Protect Overall Health
Oral hygiene is an important part of overall health. It’s not just about keeping your teeth clean and cavity-free but also about maintaining your overall quality of life and well-being. Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis—severe gum disease—might play a role in some diseases.
Take care of your health and your teeth by prioritizing routine cleanings and exams. We can help identify problems early on before they become more serious or painful.
Identify Early Signs of Oral Cancer
During a cleaning, your dentist can examine your teeth and jaw for any signs of oral cancer or other health problems. Oral cancer is a serious disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is about 1 in 60 for men and 1 in 141 for women.
A person with a high risk of oral cancer might have a history of tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, or a previous oral cancer diagnosis. The risk can also increase if you’ve had significant sun exposure (which increases the risk of lip cancer) or if you have a family history of head and neck cancers.
Fortunately, it can be detected early and treated successfully. Still, it’s important to get regular dental cleanings so that your dentist can examine your teeth and jaw for any signs of oral cancer or other health problems.
Catch Signs of Other Health Problems
Dental problems can be a sign of additional health concerns. If you have tooth sensitivity or pain when eating cold foods like ice cream or popsicles, this could mean that there is decay (or cavities) inside your teeth. Not only will the cavities become bigger, but the sensitivity will also get worse if left untreated. Catching this early might prevent the cost and pain of a larger filling or root canal procedure.
Gum disease, where plaque builds up between your gums, causing them to inflame over time, is typically caught at cleanings before becoming a bigger problem. Avoid the pain and discomfort of bleeding, inflamed gums, and bad breath with regular dental checkups!
Schedule a Cleaning Today!
Clearly, dental cleanings are an essential part of oral hygiene and overall health! They can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, stop oral cancer in its tracks, and help you avoid painful and costly dental conditions. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning.