There are many benefits of regular dental cleanings that you may not know about and which are essential to your dental health and wellness.
While it may be tempting to skip a checkup and dental cleaning, especially if your teeth look and feel fine, did you know that there’s more to this procedure than meets the eye?
As dentists, we’re always going on about the importance of regular checkups and not without reason. Take a moment to read through this article and hopefully, you’ll think twice about putting off your next checkup.
#1 Prevent gum disease
One of the primary benefits of professional dental cleanings is the prevention of gum disease which also happens to be the leading cause of tooth loss. When plaque accumulates along the gumline it can lead to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes swelling, redness and bleeding. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss. Regular cleanings remove the hardened plaque which you can’t do with brushing alone, significantly lowering the risk of gum disease.
#2 Lower risk of heart disease
Oral health extends way beyond the mouth. Research has established a disturbing link between oral health and heart issues caused by bacteria and germs from your mouth spreading through the body via the bloodstream. When they reach the heart they adhere to any damaged area causing inflammation. Those with chronic gum conditions and severe periodontitis have the highest risk of heart disease caused by oral health, particularly if it remains undiagnosed or managed.
#3 Early detection of oral cancer
Oral cancer screening is included as part of a checkup and cleaning. Your dentist will examine the lining of your cheeks, gums, lips, tongue, floor and roof of your mouth for signs of lesions or abnormalities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 11.5 out of every 100,000 adults will develop oral cancer. Detecting the condition early, significantly increases the chance of a successful outcome.
#4 Fresher breath
Another of the benefits of regular dental cleanings is fresher breath. Persistent bad breath (halitosis) often results from bacteria trapped in plaque or tartar. Our hygienist will remove all traces of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, finishing with a polish so your smile feels and looks fresher and healthier.
#5 Save money long term
Routine dental cleanings at Mint Dental cost considerably less than treating problems like gum disease, cavities and tooth replacement. Preventative dental care minimizes the need for more complex and expensive treatments further down the line.
#6 Brighter smile
Over time teeth become discolored and stained from drinking coffee, tea and red wine and consuming pigmented foods like tomato bolognese sauce, curry and beets. Professional cleanings remove surface stains from the teeth restoring their natural brightness and improving the appearance of your smile. We also recommend teeth whitening for more of a smile transformation.
#7 Enhance diabetes management
Were you aware that blood sugar links oral health and diabetes?
Uncontrolled diabetes can make it harder for you to keep your mouth healthy. Elevated blood sugar levels can weaken white blood cells, which fight infection. Diabetes can also slow down healing, meaning it could interfere with gum disease treatment.
Other problems caused by diabetes and infection are dry mouth and thrush. Dry mouth can cause ulcers, soreness, infection, and tooth decay. In addition, diabetes can cause the glucose level in your saliva to increase. Together these problems can lead to thrush.
If your diabetes is not under control, problems are more likely to develop in your mouth. Conversely, having gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar.
If you have diabetes, the benefits of regular dental cleanings will undoubtedly help both your oral health and your diabetes.
#8 Education and guidance
Dental cleanings are also a chance for patients to receive personalized oral hygiene education and dietary advice from dental professionals. Our dentists and hygienists can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as recommend specific toothbrushes and mouthwash tailored to a patient’s unique dental needs.
#9 Professional expertise and comprehensive care
The final benefit of dental cleanings is that they provide an unrivalled level of care that can’t be matched by brushing and flossing at home. Our dentists use advanced techniques and specialized tools to ensure that even those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth are free from plaque and tartar. Moreover, our experts can spot signs of problems you might miss at home, guaranteeing comprehensive care that ensures your dental health is in the best possible condition
To Conclude
The benefits of regular dental cleanings go beyond simply achieving a polished smile. They play a crucial role in spotting potential dental issues early, reducing the risk of gum disease, keeping your breath fresh, and promoting overall health. At Mint Dental, we focus on providing comprehensive care designed to enhance your well-being after every visit. Incorporating regular cleanings into your routine is a proactive step toward a healthier smile and improved overall health. Let us partner with you on your journey to a brighter, healthier future.
Contact the friendly Mint Dental team at (907) 313-1857 or schedule an appointment using our online booking service.
