Why is regular cleaning so important for your oral health?
- By Shawn Walton
- •
- 10 Oct, 2016
Proper dental care is a vital part of keeping your teeth healthy. In addition to regular brushing and flossing at home, it is important to visit your dentist regularly to get professional cleanings. Because the month of October is National Dental Hygiene Month, here are five reasons why regular dental cleanings are so essential.
1. Reduce plaque and cavities – No matter who you are, you have some plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a white film that forms on your enamel and at the gum lines. If it is not removed, it can start to eat away at the tooth enamel and eventually cause decay. Regular brushing and flossing are an important part of removing plaque, however, dental cleanings are the only way to get into hard to reach areas.
2. Prevent tooth loss – If plaque buildup is left unchecked it can lead to gum disease. This is a serious issue that, if not treated properly, can cause tooth decay. As gum disease progresses, it moves further into the gums and tooth surface. This can cause the bones around the tooth to weaken and teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.
3. Remove stains – Soft drinks, coffee, tobacco and just normal use can cause stains on your tooth enamel. A professional cleaning can help remove these built up stains and leave your teeth brighter, for a pearly white smile.
4. Freshen Breath – Even if you brush and floss on a regular basis you might still suffer from dental related halitosis. A thorough dental cleaning is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh.
5. A healthier you – Studies have shown that, in addition to gum disease, poor oral health can lead to a host of other health conditions including mouth cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mothers having low birth weight babies and even lung disease. Regular dental checkups and cleanings allow for early detection and even prevention of many of these serious conditions.
Getting proper dental care means working with a dental health professional who you trust to provide the best possible treatment. Walton Dental Health has been serving patients in Sioux City, Iowa and the surrounding communities since 1993. Our compassionate staff works hard to help patients feel comfortable throughout their dental treatments. Their goal is to provide each patient with personalized and compassionate dentistry. Contact them to schedule your appointment, today.
A dental checkup every 6 months ensures your teeth are in top shape and there aren't any oral issues developing. In addition to regular checkups, we recommend you practice these easy steps in your dental routine:
- Brush at least 2 times a day, for upwards of 3 minutes.
- Always keep your toothbrush clean and know when it's time to invest in a new toothbrush.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach.
- Eat healthy foods packed with calcium, vitamin A and C. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- Smoking can cause gum disease, tooth loss and other oral health problems. Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.
- Exercise preventative care and schedule regular checkups. For best results, visit a dentist every 6 months, approximately twice a year.