Why You Need Regular Dental Cleanings

Maintaining good oral health is vital for overall health. To achieve better oral health, routine dental cleanings can give you the boost you need. In addition, dental cleanings are a preventative measure that can help keep teeth and gums healthy and prevent serious dental problems. If you want to keep your mouth and body as healthy as possible, schedule your cleaning with your dental team at East Tennessee Periodontics.

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Prevents Tooth Decay

The goal of a dental cleaning is to help remove plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If you can’t remove it properly, it can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Tartar, on the other hand, is a hardened plaque that only a dental professional can remove. Routine dental cleanings can prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of decay.

Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common dental problem that can develop due to plaque buildup. When plaque sits on the gum tissues, it causes inflammation that can lead to infection. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and receding gums. However, dental cleanings help to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease. As a result, dental cleanings can reduce your chances of developing gum disease.

Maintains Proper Oral Health

To maintain good oral health, it is vital to have a hygienist clean your teeth. During a dental cleaning, a dental professional will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. This will help to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar. In addition, if you miss hard-to-reach places in your daily routine, dental cleaning can pick up the slack, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Saves Money

Dental cleanings may help save money in the long run. Dental insurance often covers preventive care, such as dental cleaning. Therefore, it is typically less expensive than treating dental problems due to poor oral health. Thus, routine dental cleanings can minimize the chances of costly dental procedures.

Improves Overall Health

Many studies suggest that oral health is closely linked to overall health. Poor oral health can lead to health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is because anything that grows in your mouth can pass to other organ systems in your body. Unfortunately, bacteria can cause serious damage. For example, the plaque in your mouth can also build in your arteries, causing heart problems. If you receive dental cleanings, your dental hygienist can remove harmful bacteria, reducing your chance of plaque-related health problems.

Early Detection of Dental Problems

Regular dental cleanings allow your dental team to examine your teeth and gums for any signs of dental problems. For example, your dentist may notice tooth discoloration or redness on the gums that can indicate tooth decay or gum disease. Catching dental problems early can make them easier to treat. As a result, it can help prevent them from becoming more serious.