Don’t put off getting your teeth cleaned! While it may seem like an unnecessary procedure, it helps remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on the teeth. Your regular daily oral health regimen cannot remove tartar, it must be done at a dental office.
Today, your Newport Beach, CA dentist explains the benefit of a routine cleaning. It is more important than you think!
I Don’t Hear Much About Cleanings
With the advancement of new dental technologies, the fanciest of procedures tend to get the most attention. But sometimes, the splashy move isn’t the best option. One of the easiest and most effective ways of maintaining a healthy smile is also the one most overlooked: a regular cleaning and examination.
Dentists would always prefer to maintain as much healthy tooth and periodontal (gum) tissue as possible. Our bodies are typically well-oiled machines, and it is best in most instances to leave them be.
But a regular cleaning can help your body along in fighting off infections. As our largest opening into the body, the mouth is constantly battling bacterial and fungal infections.
How Much Damage?
Leaving tartar on the teeth allows for rampant bacterial growth along the enamel of the teeth. The enamel is the hard surface that gives the tooth its surface. That bacterial growth can develop enough to cause problems with the teeth.
When bacteria grow in the mouth, they create highly acidic waste, which eats away at your healthy enamel. This can cause cavities, which can become significant enough to infect the root of the tooth itself. When this happens, a root canal is typically required.
If the damage becomes severe enough, the tooth can be lost due to tooth decay. Extractions are always a dentist’s last option, like amputation to a surgeon. Regular cleanings and examinations can prevent this from happening, as your dentist will be able to spot damage early, as it begins to occur.
How Often Should I Have A Cleaning?
Depending on your mouth, you should be seeing a dentist for a cleaning at least once a year. Most oral health professionals will suggest coming in every 6 months, just to keep an eye on your smile and make sure everything is safe and sound.
Examinations are your mouth’s first line of defense, and provide a significant advantage in protecting the health of your smile. There are a myriad of spaces within the mouth that we simply cannot reach, no matter how hard we try.
And alongside the physical action, the knowledge of oral health concerns that comes with an exam is priceless. What might seem like a small issue to you is an early sign of a health problem. It’s best to get it dealt with ASAP!
Call Today!
If you have any questions about how beneficial cleaning is to the health of your smile, or to schedule your appointment, please give Dr. Hofkes at Balboa Dental Surgery a call at (949)630-0143. Or stop by our office here in Newport Beach, CA!
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