If you have a really robust oral hygiene routine and your dentist is generally very happy with the health and condition of your teeth, you may think that there isn’t anything further that you can do to ensure the long-term function and appearance of your teeth. However, regardless of your commitment to your oral care, your dentist will still recommend that you attend an annual dental cleaning. Fitting this appointment into your busy schedule may not seem like a priority, but there’s a range of reasons why attending annual dental cleanings is so important.
 

Professional equipment is needed to remove tartar

Many dental issues are caused by plaque – the clear, sticky biofilm that constantly forms on our teeth. This plaque contains millions of bacteria that produce acids that erode our teeth, causing areas of decay. Plaque also spreads onto the gums, causing gingivitis which, if left to progress, becomes a gum disease. Regular brushing removes plaque, but that are invariably areas that get missed by the toothbrush and when this happens, the plaque can harden into tartar – yellow/brown deposits that are impossible to remove with regular brushing. The only way of removing tartar is with professional equipment.
 

You may have a dental issue and not realize it

Many dental problems develop very slowly, and the symptoms associated with them develop just as gradually. This can mean that considerable damage can develop before you even realize that there is a problem. Annual dental cleanings provide your dentist or hygienist with the opportunity to check your teeth for any damage or developing oral health issues. Diagnosing them early enables prompt treatment before you experience any unpleasant or debilitating symptoms and before there is irreparable damage to your smile.
 

Regular professional dental cleans help keep gum disease at bay

Gum disease is one of the most common problems that can affect our teeth. Gum disease occurs when the bacteria in plaque or tartar extends onto the soft tissue of the gums. When this happens, it sets off a chain reaction of symptoms that can only be halted by treatment. The early symptoms of gum disease are mild and easily overlooked and include redness, irritation, and soreness. However, as the condition progresses, patients will suffer from bad breath, abscesses and infection, severe dental pain, tooth loss, and even deterioration of the bone, which changes the shape of the jaw. Severe gum disease, called periodontitis, has also been linked to the development of other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and more. Regular professional dental cleans will help prevent gum disease from occurring, keeping your mouth and gums healthy.
 

Oral cancer detection is included

Cancer can affect every part of the body, including the mouth. Oral cancer is a fairly common type of cancer, with estimates suggesting that as many as 24 people in the United States die every day as a result of the condition. As with all cancers, the earlier oral cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be treated successfully and the better the outcome is likely to be for the patient. All dentists and hygienists are given training on how to spot the signs of oral cancer so that it can be detected early on. Oral cancer screening forms a part of most dental appointments, including professional dental cleanings.

If you would like to schedule an annual dental clean, or if you would like more information about why they are important and what they involve, don’t hesitate to call our dental team who will be happy to help you.