Let’s assume you brush at least twice a day, floss every night, and rarely eat sugary foods. Do you still need to see the dentist for regular cleanings? The answer really is “yes!”
Everyone needs to visit the dentist about twice a year. Few people can get by with less frequent visits and still maintain great oral health.
Brushing and flossing remove the majority of plaque, but there will inevitably be some tartar build-up that you just can’t clean at home. Over time, tartar hardens and leads to infections that grow and spread. You may develop severe tooth pain, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Regular dental cleanings also provide the perfect opportunity for early detection of bigger issues, including oral cancers and other illnesses.
What Happens if I Skip a Routine Cleaning?
You might think that postponing a regular cleaning for a few months will be perfectly okay, and sometimes that’s the case. However, oral health problems can develop in the meantime.
A few of the problems that appear when you skip a cleaning include:
- Cavities. Dental cleanings help clear away plaque and tartar in places that are difficult to reach. Some people with fantastic brushing and flossing habits end up with cavities after skipping a dental visit.
- Gum Disease. The bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums will eventually sink deeper down into the tooth and gum tissue. What starts with a little discomfort may lead to severe pain and tooth loss.
- Discolored Teeth. Deep, long-term staining from acidic drinks and sugary foods can be greatly improved by professional cleanings.
- More Serious and Expensive Treatments. If you don’t like regular cleanings, you probably want to avoid dental surgery even more! Routine cleanings are simpler and less costly compared to more serious treatments down the road.
What to Expect During a Regular Cleaning
At a routine dental appointment, we clean the whole mouth while inspecting for tooth decay and symptoms of other developing problems.
Cleaning goes a few steps further than your own brushing and flossing. We remove plaque and tartar from every little surface and deep-clean around the gum line. We also inspect the gum tissue, check your bite, and make sure that any previous dental fittings are in good shape.
Most importantly, you should expect a regular cleaning to be comfortable. At My Family Dentistry, we strive to provide comfortable dentistry services so it’s always pleasant to visit our office.
Keep up the great work brushing and flossing at home—and remember to schedule your regular cleaning twice a year. Contact our office to find out how we can keep your mouth healthy with a comfortable, easygoing trip to the dentist’s office!