7 Reasons You Should Always Visit Your Dentist for Regular Cleanings

Skipping your dental cleaning might seem like a good idea in the short term, but you could cause your teeth long term damage. Here's 7 reasons not to skip it.

While most individuals recognize the importance of oral health, only about 58 percent of individuals visit the dentist annually. Even those who visit the dentist regularly tend to wait until they experience pain to make an appointment. They neglect to see the importance of regular dental cleanings. 

If you are one of those patients who tend to skip their dental cleanings, this article is for you! We will learn why you need regular teeth cleanings, as well as seven benefits of dental cleanings. 

What is Involved in a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is painless, quick, and noninvasive. General cleanings typically include the following steps. 

Examination of theTeeth

Your hygienist will start by looking at your teeth with a mirror and evaluating your gums. They will check for signs of gingivitis and gum disease. They will also revisit fillings and previous dental work to ensure that it is in good condition. 

Removal of Plaque and Tartar Build-Up

The hygienist can remove plaque using a unique tool called a scaler. There are always some places that are hard to reach, but hygienists know how to clean these spots. They will also get rid of nasty tartar, which develops when you don't eradicate plaque. 

After removing all the hardened plaque and tartar, your teeth will feel and look cleaner. You will likely notice a visible difference, especially if you have not had a cleaning for some time. 

Polishing the Teeth

Next, your hygienist polishes your teeth with a gritty toothpaste and polishing tool. It is mildly abrasive and removes any plaque that was left behind after using the scaler. 

Flossing

Finally, the hygienist can remove any debris or toothpaste with floss. Dental professionals can locate the tight spots that you may have trouble reaching. They will also notice if your gums are prone to bleeding in some places. 

Oral Hygiene Recommendations

Finally, the hygienist or dentist will give you some recommendations for achieving better oral hygiene. If you have any concerns about your teeth's appearance, you should ask the professionals at this time. They will be able to suggest the best treatments based on your needs. 

Why You Need Teeth Cleanings

Dental cleanings help you keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Since most people are not convinced they need regular dental cleanings, we have made a list of why you should make them your top priority! 

Prevent Cavities

One of the primary purposes of cleanings is the prevention of cavities. When plaque builds up on teeth, it leads to tooth decay and cavities. Even if you brush and floss daily, you still need a little help from a professional to remove all the plaque. 

Sometimes, you can develop cavities without any pain or symptoms. When you have a cleaning, your hygienist can detect cavities before they turn into larger problems. Preventative care will end up saving you a lot of money, especially if you need a root canal and a crown. 

Avoid Gum Disease

Plaque and tartar can irritate the gum line. It becomes inflamed and small pockets around the teeth form. Bacteria, plaque, and food can get stuck in these openings, causing further inflammation. 

Eventually, this leads to gum disease, a severe condition that can lead to tooth and bone loss. By getting a dental cleaning regularly, you can prevent this condition. 

Dental professionals are trained to identify the signs of gum disease. They can also start treatments before the condition becomes more serious. 

Get Rid of Bad Breath

Hardened plaque, brown tartar, and stains are nearly impossible to remove on your own. Since these are made of bacteria, they can also cause bad breath. Instead of popping dozens of mints or gum in your mouth, visit your dental hygienist for a cleaning. 

Prevent Tooth Loss

After years of neglecting your oral hygiene, you may eventually have to deal with tooth loss. After plaque buildup and gum disease affect the teeth, there is often no way of saving them. Fortunately, you can prevent tooth loss if the causes are detected early on. 

Reduce the Risk of Oral Cancer

During your cleanings, your hygienist will check for abnormalities or signs of oral cancer. Since oral cancer often goes undetected in the early stages, routine dental cleanings can help you detect cancer sooner. If you know that you are at a higher risk for oral cancer, you should always get a regular dental cleaning. 

Improve the Appearance of Your Smile

You may have tried whitening toothpaste or treatments at home, but sometimes that isn't enough to remove tough stains. Instead of wasting money on more over-the-counter products, visit your dentist office.

Aided by professional tools and experience, your dental hygienist is the best person to remove stains. After the cleaning and polishing, you will notice your smile is much brighter and whiter! This can improve your self-confidence and even help you feel more attractive. 

Enhance Overall Well-being and Health 



In addition to oral health benefits, cleanings can also improve your overall well-being. Studies show that dental cleanings can protect your heart health and lower your risk of diabetes. The link between oral and heart health has to do with inflammation, which can affect the arteries.

Can I Still Benefit from a Dental Cleaning?

Some patients assume that since they have never been in the habit of getting regular cleanings, they can no longer benefit from them. This is certainly not the case! It is never too late to take back control of your oral hygiene and prevent further issues.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today

Whether you are in the routine of getting regular dental cleanings or you haven't had one in quite some time, visit us at SoHo Dental Group! We can ensure that you receive the proper preventative care and that your teeth look healthier and shinier. That's certainly a reason to smile! 

Are you ready to get a hold of your oral health? If so, schedule your appointment at Soho Dental Group now!