The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings

It is no surprise that going to the dentist for regular teeth cleanings every six months is important. Dental professionals can remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) more effectively and in areas that are harder for someone to reach themselves. Since tartar is hardened, it cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone, it must be removed by a dental professional.

Oral Health Can Indicate Other Health Conditions

Teeth cleanings are, however, important for more than just cleaning your teeth. The quality of your oral health often points to other health problems in your body. For example, diabetics are more likely to have gum disease and more severe gum disease than people without diabetes due to lack of blood sugar control. Here are some other conditions your dentist may notice:

• Acid Reflux
• Heart Disease
• Celiac Disease
• HIV
• Osteoporosis
• Oral Cancer
• Various Eating Disorders

Teeth cleanings are a good opportunity to examine any restorations, such as fillings and crowns. If a dental restoration shows any signs of wear and tear, we may recommend replacing it before it compromises the tooth. For example, a dental crown may last anywhere between 5 and 15 years which is a long period of time where it may need to be replaced.

Save Your Teeth

Unlike sharks and some other animals, humans do not regrow their adult teeth. This is another reason why teeth cleanings are so important, because once they come in, they are the only natural teeth you will ever have. Ultimately, teeth cleanings and exams are vital to alleviate pain, discomfort, and help slow decay/deterioration.

If you need a tooth replacement or other restorative procedure, for whatever reason, there are options you can talk through with our dentist to find the best that fits your needs. For example, dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. Taking care of your mouth is just as important, and maybe even more so, as taking care of any other body part.

The Risks of Not Getting Your Teeth Cleaned

You risk developing more plaque and tartar if you do not get your teeth professionally cleaned.

Plaque is colorless at first, but when it hardens into tartar, it often turns a brown or pale yellow color. This is why the longer you avoid treatment, your teeth become more discolored. It also attacks your enamel making you more vulnerable to cavities and/or gum disease.

If your cavities/gum disease go untreated for long enough, then you will experience tooth sensitivity, gum swelling, and pain as the bacteria continue to grow. This can lead to an infected root, which would require a root canal procedure, and possible tooth extraction. Some of the worst case scenarios of untreated bacterial growth are heart disease and sepsis.

Schedule a Teeth Cleaning Today

Are you in need of another teeth cleaning? You can call us at (903) 984-1108 to schedule an appointment. At Kilgore Dental Care, we focus on preventive dentistry to help you avoid problems before they need to be restored.