The Toothache That Changed My Life

It is no big secret that most dentists recommend that you come in every six months for a dental hygiene appointment to have your teeth cleaned. Yet, many patients skip these appointments like they are really not necessary at all. The fact is, keeping your dental cleaning appointments could be one of the most important things you can do for the health of your smile. Take a look at these common excuses patients use to avoid having their teeth cleaned and the real truths you should really pay attention to if you care about the health of your teeth. 

Excuse: As long as you brush and floss daily, it's not necessary to have your teeth cleaned twice a year professionally. 

In Truth: The basics of dental care do start at home with you brushing and flossing every day. However, this does not mean that you will not have to have your teeth professionally cleaned. There are areas in your mouth, such as around the soft tissue of your gums and in between teeth, that are practically impossible to reach with traditional cleaning methods. A dental hygienist uses special tools, such as hydro-flossers and certain picks, to remove plaque and calcium deposits that can develop into decay. 

Excuse: Having your teeth cleaned too much breaks down the enamel of your teeth. 

In Truth: It is true that if a dentist were to use abrasive methods to clean your teeth, there would likely be damage to the enamel. However, this is not what a dentist or hygienist does when they clean your teeth. The tools and procedures used during your cleaning will not cause any harm to your teeth enamel because the methods used are non-abrasive and gentle enough to avoid such problems. 

Excuse: Having your teeth cleaned twice a year is too expensive. 

In Truth: Having your teeth cleaned at a dentist office like Belgrade Dental Associates is one of the most affordable procedures because it does not require treatment from the doctor most of the time. According to CostHelper.com, having your teeth cleaned by a hygienist should only cost you between $75 and $200. This procedure is also usually covered by health insurance. If you are having problems affording your cleaning appointments, talk to your dentist. They may be able to help you out by breaking up the charge into payments or extending some form of care credit to cover the bill.