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Regular Professional Dental Cleanings
We get it – staying regular with your professional dental cleanings can be difficult. It can be hard to make time to see your hygienist, especially when you have a busy schedule (or a fear of the dental office). However, it’s extremely important to stay on track with your visits to your hygienist.
Here are the top reasons you should stick to your professional dental cleaning schedule:
1. Regular Oral Cancer Check
When you come in for your professional dental cleaning, your hygienist will check for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer has one of the highest mortality rates – not because it’s hard to diagnose, but because it is often found too late. Learn more about oral cancer screenings and why they’re important by clicking here.
2. Oral Health Evaluation
Your hygienist will also complete a thorough dental exam, and take any x-rays that may be needed. This will help indicate if you have gum disease or cavities. Gum disease, or Periodontal disease, and cavities can have extremely negative effects on your oral health if left untreated for too long. At your appointment, periodontal measurements are used to determine if there are areas of inflammation or bone loss that could benefit from treatment. Early detection of periodontal disease and decay will allow treatment to be much easier and much less expensive.
3. Plaque and Tartar Removal
Even those with fantastic homecare routines will have a hard time reaching some of the plaque and tartar that accumulates in the mouth. Your hygienist has the ability to remove these at your cleaning appointment. Plaque and tartar harbor bacteria that can affect the health of your gums. If left on your teeth for a prolonged period of time, they can cause gingivitis or bone loss. Severe bone loss can cause teeth to become loose, and can even lead to the need for teeth to be removed.
4. Periodontal Disease Prevention
Professional dental cleanings are considered a preventative procedure that help to protect against gum disease, or periodontal disease. Studies have shown that a healthy mouth helps support a healthy body. Regular professional dental cleanings have been proven to lower your risk for heart disease and strokes.
5. Oral Health Knowledge
Your dental hygienist is a valuable source of information. During your professional dental cleaning appointment, your hygienist will provide you with tips and tricks to improve your home care. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions regarding your oral care, and will likely leave feeling confident in your ability to maintain excellent oral health.
While it may be difficult to make it in to your regular professional dental cleaning appointments, it is extremely important. Staying regular with your professional dental cleanings can help to save money and time in the long run, and will ensure your oral health, and systemic, are the best they can possibly be.
If you are overdue for your professional dental cleaning, please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your cleaning appointment.