A teeth cleaning appointment takes about an hour on average, yet when the time comes to schedule that twice-yearly checkup, many of us wind up skipping it. After all, if we don’t have symptoms, why bother?
Fact check: Professional cleanings are about more than keeping your teeth pearly white. There are lots of other significant reasons not to skip your next visit, and in this post, Minal Patel, DDS, and the team at Park Place Smiles explain some of the most essential benefits you could be missing if you skip your next visit.
Even if you brush twice a day and floss diligently, sticky plaque can still collect in hard-to-reach places. Plaque provides a safe harbor for harmful bacteria, and unless it’s removed, those plaque deposits can quickly lead to more serious problems, like tooth decay and infections.
During a professional cleaning, we use special tools to reach in between teeth — even around those hard-to-brush back teeth — removing plaque deposits and the germs they contain. The result? Better oral health, a more beautiful smile, and fresher breath, too.
Gum disease occurs when decay- and infection-causing bacteria build up along the gum line, another area that’s difficult to keep clean. As these bacteria grow, they release toxins that irritate your gums and cause them to recede, allowing bacteria to eventually reach the tooth roots.
Over time, bacteria invade the root pockets and the bones that support your teeth, dramatically increasing your risk of serious infections and tooth loss. Professional cleanings remove these deposits along the gum line, playing a key role in preventing gum disease and maintaining your natural teeth and healthy smile.
Most of us associate cavities with toothaches — and if we’re not having pain, we must not have a cavity, right? Not necessarily. Cavities start out small, and in their early stages, they often don’t cause painful symptoms. However, once you do start feeling pain, the cavity has almost certainly reached a more advanced stage that needs more intensive treatment.
Twice-yearly professional cleaning visits allow us to look for telltale signs of early cavities, so they can be treated before they become major problems. In addition to a visual exam of your teeth, we use X-rays to look for tiny cracks that might not be visible to the naked eye, providing quick, simple treatment to avoid deep decay.
About 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, and nearly 13,000 die from the disease. Like cavities and gum disease, oral cancer responds best to early intervention, and once again, six-month checkups play a pivotal role.
During your visit, we look for unusual signs that could indicate an early stage of cancer or even precancer. Screenings are quick, and if we notice anything unusual, we can immediately take a tiny tissue sample for evaluation in a lab.
Finally, having a twice-yearly cleaning gives our team a chance to review your at-home routine, so we can help you make adjustments to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible between visits.
Our team checks for areas of plaque and tartar buildup and other signs that could mean your brushing and flossing routines need a little help. Then, we provide you with tips to help you optimize your routine and maintain your oral health between visits.
Regular cleaning visits are important for everyone, but they’re essential for anyone with risk factors associated with oral health problems, including people with diabetes, heart disease, or dry mouth. Missing even a single checkup could have long-lasting effects on your oral health and your overall wellness.
Bottom line: Twice-yearly cleanings only add up to a couple of hours a year, yet they provide significant benefits for your teeth, gums, and overall well-being. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, now’s the perfect time to get back on track. To schedule your next cleaning, request an appointment with Park Place Smiles in Glendora, California, today.
