The New Year is a great time for setting new goals and finding ways to improve or maintain your health. While many focus solely on losing weight or changing their diet, it also pays to remember that dental care is vital to your overall wellness. As you begin your trek to a better you in 2016, don’t forget the importance of annual teeth cleanings. Keep the following points in mind and schedule regular dental appointments so that you can enjoy all the benefits of a healthier, happier mouth.
Prevent Cavities
It’s difficult to keep your teeth free of cavities without thorough and regular cleaning, both at home and in your dentist’s office. Cavities form where germs are allowed to thrive on and around your teeth. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing will help day-to-day, but annual cleanings will ensure that any potential or existing cavities are caught before they become a problem.
Stop Tooth Decay
Left unchecked, tooth decay can be a painful and devastating condition. It can result in infection and even tooth loss. Consistent check-ups and cleanings will help to keep bacteria at bay before it eats away at your teeth. Keeping your natural teeth healthy will help you avoid more extensive and costly procedures.
Get Healthier Gums
Annual cleanings aren’t just for your teeth, though. Your gums are also an important part of the mouth and can be affected by the same conditions listed above. Your gums support your teeth and aid in everything from chewing, drinking, and protecting against bacteria. Regular care will help to keep them pink, firm, and free of disease.
Detect Oral Cancer
Only your dentist can pinpoint the signs of oral cancer, a dangerous condition that can threaten your overall health. Very often, the symptoms of this disease can be mistaken for something else to the untrained eye. Annual cleanings and dental appointments will help to detect the warning signs early on, so that they can be treated with as little pain and inconvenience to you as possible.
Keep Your Smile
Clean teeth also help to create a brighter, whiter smile. This can directly affect the way you perceive yourself and can certainly boost your self-confidence. A great smile will not only improve your level of comfort in social situations, but it will also make job interviews and photo opportunities more enjoyable. Healthy teeth and gums depend on consistent personal and professional cleaning.
Save Money
Prevention always costs less than treatment. This is true for all aspects of healthcare, including dentistry. Because annual cleanings will aid you in keeping your oral health in check, you can look forward to spending less on expensive procedures. The key is to see your dentist regularly, so that you’ll never be (unpleasantly) surprised by issues affecting your mouth, teeth, and gums.
At My Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you reach your dental health goals, whenever you make them. Schedule your annual cleanings today and learn more about how we combine cutting-edge technology and relaxing customer care to give you the best possible experience.