There’s an old adage that says, “Prevention is worth a pound of cure,” which is certainly true of professional dental cleanings. These twice-a-year preventive visits allow our team to stay one step ahead of your dental health and keep your smile shining brightly. Here’s more about their importance, the problems they can prevent, and the benefits you’ll enjoy by having clean, healthy teeth!
Don’t Underestimate Oral Health Problems
You brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once, and rinse regularly, which means your teeth and gums are fairly clean, right? Well, yes and no. While your dentist does applaud your diligence, bacteria still have a way of making their way into your hard and soft oral tissues, where they can cause considerable damage.
For example, bacteria can make their way under your gum line, which can lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Through professional cleanings, your dentist and their team can clear the plaque and tartar out to reverse the progression of periodontitis. As well, during your teeth cleaning, they may spot the earliest signs of tooth decay, which allows for timely intervention to halt the decay and preserve your tooth.
If they find evidence of advancing gum disease, they may take your dental cleaning one step further and perform a scaling and root planing procedure. This technique allows them to remove plaque and tartar both above and below your gumline, ensuring the entire pocket of each tooth is clean.
The preventive care provided during your regular cleanings is important, but so is the ability to clear away stains to restore your pearly whites. This type of cleaning lifts away stubborn stains (think coffee or tea) which can take hold no matter how well you brush your teeth at home, leaving you with a smile that doesn’t just feel better, but looks better, too.
Your Smile and Body Are Connected
Your regular dental cleanings also allow us the opportunity to discuss your at-home care and answer any questions you may have. After we’ve cleaned your teeth, we may also make some suggestions in areas that could use some tweaking, such as how you floss.
Your mouth and the rest of your body are closely connected, and it’s very possible for problems that begin near your teeth to end up traveling to other parts of you. For example, postponing your dental care can have a domino effect — small cavities can become crowns, crowns can become root canals, and root canals can become lost teeth. These issues can cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream, which can hijack your immune system as it tries to fight off the invaders. By tackling your dental health during your professional cleaning, you help your immune system fight the bigger battles we’re facing today.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of healthy teeth and gums, which power your ability to eat, talk, and smile. Not to mention, great oral health can help boost your immune system, which is why professional dental cleanings are so important.
About Our Practice
Here at Mockler Dental, Dr. Tricia Mockler and our whole team understand the importance of routine dental care, and we’re here to help you maintain resilient, resplendent teeth for life! We offer a wide range of dental services, including routine checkups and cleanings as well as many other preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments. If you have any questions or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, you can reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (408) 871-0877.