Learn Why You Shouldn’t Skip Dental Cleaning Appointments

Skipping Dental Cleaning Appointments?

Have you ever thought about your dental cleaning appointments as “just a cleaning”? If so, when life gets busy it may be tempting to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You brush and floss regularly, right? So why is a cleaning so important? Read on to find out.

Why keep dental cleaning appointments?

Removal of the hardened deposits

Even the most dedicated and thorough brushing and flossing can still leave some bacterial plaque that hardens into tartar. Once tartar forms, you can no longer remove it with brushing and flossing. Hardened tartar needs to be removed with a professional cleaning. Tartar has a rough surface that bacteria can easily stick to and cause gum inflammation.

Systemic links

Research is ongoing in this area, but studies show that those with chronic gum inflammation are at a higher risk of many systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even some cancers. Health professionals agree that maintaining a healthy mouth is essential to your overall health.

Periodontal maintenance

If you have periodontal disease (gum disease that has started to break down the bone supporting your teeth) it is especially important to keep your regular dental hygiene appointments. Often those with periodontal disease will have gum recession and deeper gum pockets that are difficult to keep clean at home. If left untreated, further destruction of the bone will occur and can eventually lead to loss of teeth.

Individualized oral hygiene instruction

Since no two mouths are the same, everyone has unique oral care needs. If you have specific problem areas or questions about oral hygiene products, your dental hygienist is there to give you one-on-one instruction. As a team, you can work to achieve your oral health goals.

Risks during pregnancy

Hormone changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gum inflammation. Pregnant women with uncontrolled gum disease are at a higher risk of delivering preterm babies with lower birth weights. Make sure to have excellent oral hygiene and keep your dental appointments during pregnancy to help prevent these complications.

Oral cancer screening

At each cleaning appointment, your dental hygienist does a thorough check of the tissues inside your mouth to look for any changes. Since oral cancer is particularly deadly, early detection is vital.
So now you have a better understanding of the importance of keeping your dental hygiene appointments. Other perks include that smooth, clean feeling and removal of any stains that can dull your smile. Call and book your dental hygiene appointment today!