Studies have found that almost 50% of all American adults have a gum-related disease that many aren’t aware of until it’s advanced. Moreover, tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and severe decay are the leading causes of tooth loss.
People who skip routine professional dental cleanings and checkups have a significantly higher risk of dental diseases and tooth loss than those who go regularly. This can lead to complex, expensive treatments later, costing up to $5000+ for procedures like dental implants and crowns.
That’s why dental cleanings are important, alongside mindful oral hygiene. They promote long-lasting oral health and a brighter smile. Below, we delve deeper into the importance of dental cleanings to help you prioritize your oral and overall health.
1. Prevent Dental Problems
Plaque continuously forms on the surfaces of teeth and hardens into hard mineral deposits called tartar or calculus within 24 to 48 hours. Tartar gradually builds up. Plaque and tartar harbor bacteria that eat away the tooth enamel, causing cavities or decay. They can also cause gum inflammation (gingivitis), characterized by redness, bleeding, and swelling of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into gum disease (periodontitis) below the gum line. Advanced gum disease and severe tooth decay often cause teeth to become loose and fall out in the long term.
The truth is, even if you brush regularly, areas between your teeth and other inaccessible areas remain uncleaned. This underscores the importance of professional dental cleanings. Professional teeth cleaning (prophylaxis) is a preventative procedure that helps maintain healthy gums and teeth. By removing plaque and tartar on the visible surfaces, between teeth, along the gum line, and in areas a toothbrush can’t reach, professional dental cleaning helps reduce the risks of oral problems like decay, gum diseases, bad smell, and tooth loss. That’s why dental cleanings are important.
2. Early Detection of Diseases
Another key importance of dental cleanings is that they involve an oral examination phase, during which dentists can detect underlying or early signs of dental problems like fractures, gum disease, and tooth decay. This allows patients and dentists to explore timely interventions like dental fillings, helping eliminate the need for complex, costly procedures like dental implants and crowns later.
Oral cancer can be addressed early if symptoms are caught early during a routine cleaning. Furthermore, studies have maintained that dentists can detect signs and symptoms of hundreds of overall health diseases, including diabetes, anemia, and more. This highlights the importance of professional dental cleanings.
3. Prevent Overall Health Diseases
Another reason why dental cleanings are important is that they contribute to overall health. Many studies have established the connection between oral health and overall health and wellness.
Gum disease, for instance, has been linked to systemic health problems such as bacterial pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases including stroke and heart attacks, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and more. Infection and inflammation from gum disease can travel into the bloodstream and contribute to or worsen these conditions. Professional dental cleaning removes germs and bacteria buildup, helping prevent gum disease.
4. Achieve a Brighter Smile and Fresher Breath
The importance of dental cleanings also includes the ability to transform your smile. Coffee, wine, and other foods and drinks continuously form stains on teeth that brushing can’t eliminate. Discolored or dull teeth can cause one to worry about their appearance. Professional cleaning involves a polishing phase that cleanses and smooths tooth surfaces, removes stubborn, unsightly stains, and yields brighter teeth. This enables you to smile confidently.
Bad breath usually results from plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. This can cause shame and self-consciousness in social situations. Another reason why dental cleanings are important is that they freshen your breath.
5. Learn Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
The importance of professional dental cleanings is that dentists usually use this opportunity to offer personalized oral hygiene recommendations and aftercare. You may assume that you’re observing healthy habits, when in fact, you’re not. Studies have found that many people brush their teeth for an average of 45 seconds, which is less than half of the recommended two minutes.
How Often Should You Go For Dental Cleanings?
Dentists generally recommend doing routine cleanings bi-yearly. However, the frequency of cleanings depends on individual needs. Some people could benefit from more frequent cleanings, including those with serious health conditions, smoking habits, a family history of gum disease, past or current dental diseases, and so forth. Others may need cleaning once yearly. Your dentist will recommend the ideal schedule that meets your needs.
Apart from cleanings, regular dental checkups are crucial. If you have gum disease, such as bleeding gums or deep pockets, you may need a deep teeth cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing.
Conclusion
The importance of dental cleanings cannot be overemphasized. They help prevent dental and overall health diseases, detect signs and symptoms of underlying diseases, promote a healthier smile and fresher breath, and instill healthy oral care habits.
Book a professional dental cleaning to facilitate long-lasting oral health and a healthy smile. The hygienists and board-certified dentists at Pure Smile Makeover Center provide comprehensive, personalized, and affordable professional dental cleanings and other dental treatments in Mexico to locals and patients from abroad.
