Is a Dentist Teeth Cleaning Necessary?

Regular teeth cleaning appointments are highly recommended, but are they actually necessary? Teeth cleanings provide insight into your oral and dental health and help to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Catch Diseases Before They Get Worse

Dentists and dental hygienists have plenty of experience and can help detect disease before it becomes a serious problem. For instance, gingivitis is a common disease that can cause swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis can easily be detected by a dentist or dental hygienist and can be treated with a simple teeth cleaning. However, if not treated properly, gingivitis can lead to more serious issues, such as periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause permanent damage such as tooth loss and may require more serious treatment.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer affects a little less than 50,000 Americans each year and it is twice as common in men as it is women. Using tobacco products also significantly increases your chances of getting oral cancer. Around 75% of people with oral cancer are also tobacco users. This is because tobacco products are full of carcinogenic chemicals that have been linked to causing cancer. Regardless of whether you are a tobacco user or not, you should still visit your dentist regularly to check for signs of oral cancer. Dentists are able to detect oral cancer much sooner than you might experience symptoms. The sooner you receive treatment in this case, the better.

Removal of Tartar

Tartar is what plaque is referred to once it is in its hardened form. Sugar and acid attracts bacteria that causes plaque to form on the teeth. Regular brushing alone is efficient in removing plaque; however, once plaque has hardened into tartar regular brushing alone will not be enough. Dentists and dental hygienists are equipped with special tools that are made specifically to remove tartar from teeth. They are also the best way to clean the hardest to reach places in your mouth.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Dentists want to help you with all of your oral and dental needs. After a routine cleaning, dentists will be able to see what treatment options you may need in order to maintain the best possible oral and dental health. Dentists and dental hygienists are also highly experienced an can answer any questions you may have about your teeth.