Professional teeth cleaning and a dental exam are important to maintaining great overall health. While everyone’s situation is different, the need for these services performed by your family dentist or hygienist are required on a regular basis.
I Brush and Floss – Isn’t that Enough?
A regular and consistent oral care regimen is important, but can’t take the place of having teeth professionally cleaned. Even the most diligent person experiences dental plaque growth, usually beginning to form at the gum line. Only your hygienist or dentist can remove dental plaque once it hardens on teeth.
Plaque starts out as a sticky substance; the bacteria that is naturally present in your mouth clings to teeth allowing plaque to build and harden. You usually can’t see it in its early stages so while you think your teeth are perfectly clean, plaque is attacking the healthy enamel on your teeth.
A small breach in enamel can result in decay. Left untreated, that small cavity can grow possibly resulting in infection and the need for endodontic care or even tooth loss.
Regular dental cleanings and check-up appointments can catch potential problems early allowing for treatment before a small situation can escalate into a costly and time consuming repair.
So while you may brush and floss as recommended, professional cleanings are still an important preventive action to maintain your dental health.
How Often Do I Need to Have My Teeth Cleaned?
For the majority of us, six month intervals are usually recommended. However, we’re all different. Follow the guidelines established by your trusted dentist for your best result.
Patients who have experienced periodontal problems may require cleaning every three or four months. They are susceptible to plaque formation and gum disease so frequent plaque removal is essential.
Just because you visit your dentist every six months, don’t be lulled into believing that is sufficient. You still need to brush twice every day using a fluoridated toothpaste. And since your toothbrush only reaches about two thirds of the surfaces of teeth, flossing daily is recommended to remove food debris your toothbrush didn’t reach specifically between teeth and at the gumline. When performed correctly, flossing will help you maintain healthy gum tissue.
Visit our team at the office of Dr. David Kuban as recommended for professional teeth cleaning and a dental exam. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a worthy lifetime goal.
