Good oral health starts with foundational practices such as dental cleanings. According to Harvard Health Publishing, it’s estimated that six in 10 adults have chronic oral disease, which can result in tooth loss. Many of these problems could be avoided if people prioritized dental cleanings with their local dentist. Let’s look at some of the benefits of regular cleanings.

Improve General Health

Many people don’t realize that their oral health can have a big impact on their general health as well. Bad oral hygiene has been associated with serious illnesses such as bone loss, cardio disease, strokes, cancer, and other issues. Although brushing and flossing at home is necessary and helpful, regular cleanings with a local dentist are also needed.

Lessen Discoloration

When you have your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist’s office, it can go a long way to removing stains and discoloration that might be accumulating on your teeth. You will enjoy a brighter and whiter smile. Teeth whitening treatments may not be necessary for individuals who stay on top of regular cleanings.

Decrease The Risk of Gum Disease

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of gum disease is to visit your local dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings. These types of cleanings get deeper down into the gum line to remove bacteria and plaque. Gum disease starts deep down in the gum lines, and regular brushing can’t always provide this level of cleaning. Healthy gums will have a pocket depth around the tooth of 1-3mm. In our office, we will see someone whose pocket depths go up to 6mm, anything more than that then we will refer the patient to a Periodontist who specializes in gum health. Remember, your toothbrush bristles can only go 1-2mm into the gumline.

Reduce the Chance of Cancer

When you visit the dentist you won’t just receive a cleaning. You’ll also receive crucial dental screening that can help identify serious problems such as oral cancer. Early detection and intervention are vital to effective treatment of these diseases.

Reduce Injuries From Fractures and Broken Fillings

During your examination, your dentist will also look for problems such as fractures or broken fillings. These types of problems can cause mouth injuries and pain. Spotting these problems early on gives the dentist the opportunity to fix the issue before it causes pain.

These are just a few of the benefits of regular dental cleanings. If you’re looking for a reliable local dentist, please call Drs. Phillips and Schmitt.