The Toothache That Changed My Life

No matter what your age, getting a professional cleaning at the dentist's office every six months is essential for your oral health. However, if your teeth have not been giving you any problems lately, you might be tempted to skip your next visit. Do not make this mistake. Here are several reasons why you should not skip your next dental care appointment.

Avoid Cavities

Cavities are a common oral health problem and can lead to serious tooth decay if they are not treated promptly. It might not be possible to remove all the cavity-causing plaque on your teeth through daily brushing. That is one of the reasons professional dental cleanings are so important. A dental hygienist will use special tools to remove the hardened plaque, reducing your risk of cavities.

Improve Your Breath

When food particles get left behind in your mouth, they can leave you with foul breath. That can be a pretty embarrassing problem. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings are one of the most effective ways to maintain fresh breath.

Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease affects many Americans and can cause tooth loss and other health issues if left untreated. During a professional dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove plaque that is stuck underneath your gum line. He or she will also check for early signs of gum disease, such as red and puffy gums.

Reduce Stains

After a while, the foods and drinks you consume can leave stains on your teeth. Coffee, tea and red wine are especially notorious for causing stains. A professional cleaning can help remove these deep stains, leaving you with a brighter smile you can feel confident about.

Save Money

If you have dental insurance, your dental cleanings should be free or very low cost. Getting dental cleanings every six months can reduce your need for expensive dental treatments down the road, saving you money. For example, if your dentist detects a cavity during your appointment, he or she can treat it before it gets too big and requires a more costly root canal.

As you can see, there are a lot of benefits of getting regular dental cleanings. They typically only last about an hour and can keep your teeth and gums healthy. If it has been more than six months since your last cleaning, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.