The Advantages of Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams

Regular dental cleanings and exams are an important part of maintaining good oral health. These preventive treatments help to maintain healthy teeth and gums. They also give your dentist a chance to catch any potential dental problems early, when they are most treatable.

Your teeth will last longer

Regular dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, which if left unchecked can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains bacteria. If left on the teeth, the bacteria in plaque can cause cavities and gum disease. Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed with professional cleanings. During your cleaning appointment, your dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to remove these substances from your teeth.

A regular exam allows your dentist to examine your mouth for signs of decay or other problems. X-rays will be taken as needed to help spot any hidden issues. Early detection of these problems is important to prevent more serious problems down the road.

Visiting the dentist regularly helps to keep your teeth healthy and prevent more serious oral health issues.

Title: How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

Heading: You should visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. If you have certain health conditions, you may need more frequent visits. For example, if you have diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, you may need to visit more often. Pregnant women should also see the dentist more frequently during pregnancy.

If you are concerned about your oral health or have questions about the frequency of your visit schedule, talk to your dentist. They can help you determine the best schedule for your specific needs.

Title: What Happens During a Dental Exam?

Heading: When you visit the dentist for a checkup, they will first take x-rays of your teeth to check for any signs of decay or other problems. They will also examine your gums and mouth for any abnormalities. They will then clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar buildup. Finally, they will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to look for any problems.

If there are any areas of concern, your dentist may recommend

You will have fresher breath

A regular dental cleaning will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which helps prevent bad breath. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains bacteria that produce a foul odor. Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed with a professional cleaning.

Heading: Your teeth will be whiter

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Professional teeth whitening treatments can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades. However, professional whitening treatments are only effective for a certain amount of time. To keep your teeth looking bright, you will need to have your teeth cleaned regularly.

Heading: You will avoid cavities

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Cavities are holes in your tooth enamel caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by acids produced by oral bacteria. These acids are neutralized by the minerals in your saliva. If your mouth is too dry or you produce too much saliva, the acids will damage your enamel and cause cavities to form. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, which prevents the bacteria in your mouth from producing more harmful acids.

Heading: You will prevent gum disease

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Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up along the gum line. This can cause your gums to become inflamed and infected. Over time, this can lead to receding gums and even tooth loss. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar from the gumline, preventing gum disease.

Heading: You can prevent tooth loss

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Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. By keeping your teeth clean and healthy with regular cleanings, you can reduce your risk of losing them.

Heading: You can prevent other health problems