If you’ve ever visited our blog at Harris Dental, you’ve probably heard the guidance to have dental check-ups and cleanings twice a year. In fact, dental professionals have been advising the twice-yearly frequency for over 50 years. The American Dental Association counsels people to visit their dentist twice a year as well.
Is that an arbitrary schedule? Let’s discuss the reasons why regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for preventative dentistry and optimum oral health.
What do your dentist and dental hygienist do during an exam and cleaning?
Look for Signs of Decay
Your dentist has tools that allow him/her to see places in your mouth that would be almost impossible for you to see. While a cavity usually takes over six months to become serious, your dentist can see the telltale white spots that reveal that a cavity is forming. In the earliest stages, your dentist can stop the development of a cavity. If a cavity drills into your teeth without you knowing it, it will eventually hit the pulp–Ouch!–and you may need a root canal and a crown. As you might imagine, both are far more expensive than an exam and cleaning. Besides, your dental insurance may cover twice-yearly exams and cleanings at 100%.
Clean Out Your Pockets
If you think dental care is unnecessarily expensive, you might not like this joke. We aren’t talking about your wallet here. We are talking about the gap that forms between your gums and tooth roots when bacteria and plaque build-up. It’s not only extreme decay that can damage a tooth until it is beyond saving. Gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as harmful. A buildup of plaque creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning eliminates the plaque before it can cause the gums to recede.
Check for Oral Cancer
The Oral Cancer Foundation reports this unfortunate stat: oral cancer claims one life every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year.1
Clean Plaque and Tartar
Even if you brush and floss your teeth morning and night, plaque can accumulate. We have many patients who are vigilant brushers but are surprised when our hygienist uncovers plaque on their teeth.
Polish Your Teeth
When the hygienist polishes your teeth, it cleans away the bacteria that allows the plaque to form. If you have, your hygienist can smooth away uneven areas below the gumline where bacteria can flourish. Plus, it feels amazing when you run your tongue over polished teeth!
Oral Health is Physical Health
Your mouth is connected to the rest of the body, but many people treat it as a separate entity. Some get regular preventative services for physical conditions but fail to recognize their oral health.
At Harris Dental, we’ve often wondered about this common disconnect. Did you know that there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health? Besides, your lifestyle is significantly influenced by tooth pain, tooth loss, gum disease, or dentures.
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, cleanings and exams are one of the most affordable ways to keep ideal oral health.
Call 480-428-0040 today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning at Harris Dental in Phoenix.
1http://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/
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