The American Dental Association recommends all people get their teeth cleaned by a professional based on what their dentist recommends. For most people, that will be every six months. That schedule could vary, however, depending on the unique oral health requirements of each individual.
Even people who are highly conscientious about brushing and flossing every day should have their teeth professionally cleaned at least once or twice per year. Here are eight important reasons why.
1. Prevents Gum Disease
If you notice a shade of pink when you spit out your toothpaste, chances are highly likely that you have already developed gum disease. A professional teeth cleaning is, by far, the best way to remedy the problem. Better yet, regular professional cleanings will prevent gum disease in the first place. Keep in mind that a dentist may also recommend further treatments, such as antibiotics, if the gum disease has advanced far enough. The two most common kinds of bacteria in teeth and gums are Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
2. Eliminates Bad Breath
If you have bad breath, all the mouthwash in the world may not help. What can eliminate the problem is a professional cleaning of the teeth.
3. Detects Oral Cancer Early
A dentist will inspect your teeth and gums after every professional cleaning. Early detection of oral cancer is the best way to take care of the problem before it gets worse. Young and old alike can contract cancers of the gums and mouth. A cleaning is like a screening for this serious problem.
4. Lessens the Chance of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
This one may surprise many, but solid research shows that good dental hygiene can be a significant factor in preventing serious problems like diabetes and other conditions of the heart. The cleanliness of teeth is directly related to better cardiovascular health, according to research done at the Cleveland Clinic.
5. Reduces Risk of Cavities
A cavity in a tooth is the result of bacterial buildup that is allowed to fester for months on end. If you have a lot of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, you can bet bacteria is also present. Bacteria can eat away at both the tooth enamel and soft surrounding gum tissue. A professional cleaning clears it all away along with worries of more serious (and expensive) problems with teeth.
6. Checks Your Bite
A professional cleaning is also an opportunity to check the state of a person’s jaw. It can slip out of line over the years and for other reasons, such as injury or certain health conditions.
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joints. They are the joints that connect your lower jaw to the skull. They are the joints that slide and rotate in front of the ear. If they get out of line, a condition called TMD can result. This stands for Temporomandibular Disorder. TMD results in a variety of problems, from chronic pain to trouble chewing and swallowing.
It can also cause headaches, jaw clicking or popping, and other irritating conditions. The bottom line is that a professional cleaning can catch this problem early and lead to a better resolution of the problem.
7. Brightens Your Smile
Cleaner teeth just look better. That means whiter and brighter. A cleaning session is also an opportunity to consult with the caregiver about further methods to make teeth whiter.
8. Prevents Tooth Loss
Just as bacterial buildup can cause cavities, the latter can sometimes result in the loss of a tooth or several teeth. Once again, letting the problem go or putting off a professional cleaning and dental examination is one of the biggest reasons many people end up losing teeth –- or all of their teeth.
Don’t let it happen. A professional cleaning of the teeth is something that you can do for yourself today that will make your mouth feel fresh and invigorated and also just make you feel better overall. A dental cleaning goes beyond the daily brushing and flossing routine.
