Why You Need 2 Dental Cleanings Per Year
Conventional wisdom states that you need to have your teeth cleaned once per year, but did you know that recommendation has been upgraded? Today, it is recommended that most people get two professional teeth cleanings per year, or one every six months, in order to maximize oral health and prevent gum disease and cavities.
Benefits of Two Dental Cleaning each Year
Due to the increase in at-home oral hygiene routines, adults are keeping their teeth longer, which is great news. To help you keep your teeth, dental professionals are now recommending that most adults should receive professional dental cleanings twice a year, especially if they have a history of certain illnesses, like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can increase the odds of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease.
1. Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
Gum diseases, like gingivitis and periodontal disease, can lead to tooth loss and the need for crowns, bridges, dentures and implants. Gum disease occurs when all of the plaque is not removed from the teeth and the gumline. This plaque then turns into tartar, which can lead to a bacteria explosion in your mouth. The increased bacteria can lead to swollen or inflamed gums, which is known as gingivitis, and pockets of infection below the gumline, which is caused by periodontal disease. You may also be at an increased risk for gum disease if you are chronically stressed, have a family history of gum disease or oral health problems, and have chronic illnesses, like arthritis, cardiovascular disease and prediabetes or diabetes.
2. Prevent a Recurrence of Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease
If you have had or currently have gingivitis or periodontal disease, you will need more frequent dental cleanings. For those with gum disease, frequent cleanings can help reverse the disease and restore your gum health. For individuals who have had gum disease in the past, having your teeth cleaning every six months can help prevent a recurrence and maintain your gum and teeth health.
3. Get Screened for Oral Cancer
At every dental appointment, our dentist in West Melbourne looks for signs of oral cancer, which can include odd sores or lesions. If our dentist suspects that you may have oral cancer, a test can be performed to determine if the cells are abnormal. Like most cancers, oral cancer is most treatable when it is diagnosed and treated in the early stages.
4. Keep Your Natural Teeth
When you reduce your risk of developing cavities and gum disease with regular dental cleanings, you are reducing your risk of tooth loss. When you lose one or more teeth, it can affect how you chew and speak. It can also contribute to bone loss in the area of the missing tooth. While implants, bridges and dentures can help replace missing teeth, keeping your natural teeth is always preferable.
5. Keep Your Teeth White
If you drink coffee or cola or eat foods that can stain your teeth, a good teeth cleaning can remove those stains and make your teeth look whiter. If you are experiencing a darkening or yellowing of your teeth, you can inquire about services for teeth whitening. In office teeth whitening treatments are affordable and effective. Another way to improve the appearance of your teeth is with veneers, which are thin sheets of porcelain that are bonded to the front teeth.
Preventative Dentistry in West Melbourne, Florida
Our dentist in West Melbourne offers many different types of preventative treatments to help keep your gums and teeth healthy. The best way to maintain your oral health is by scheduling dental appointments every six months. This will help keep your teeth and gums free of the plaque and gingivitis that cause gum disease. We also offer dental sealants for children and adults, which can help reduce your risk of cavities, and teeth whitening and teeth restoration services that can help you feel great about the appearance of your smile.
To schedule your six-month dental cleaning, call our West Melbourne dentist at 321-724-1400.