Spring is here, and the weather is warming up! Many families are dedicating time to spring cleaning to-do lists, sprucing up the yard, cleaning out the closets, and improving the overall look and feel of their homes. As you are working on these projects, consider the “spring cleaning” that might be needed for your family’s health and wellness.
When did you last have a dental cleaning or visit a primary care physician for a checkup? Consider adding these tasks to your spring-cleaning list!
When Was the Last Time You Had a Dental Cleaning?
Have you been to the dentist for a cleaning and exam this year? If not, then make sure to get an appointment on the schedule! The general recommendation is to visit a dentist for cleanings every six months. Consider setting these appointments in advance or using the seasonal changes as reminders that it’s time to visit the dentist. For example, you might book dental cleanings for the family every spring and fall.
Regular cleanings will impact the quality and appearance of your smile, and your oral health can also affect general health. If you are proactive about avoiding dental disease, then it also lowers the risk of other health issues such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and more. Maintaining a healthy smile starts with regular dental checkups, cleanings, and good oral health habits at home (such as brushing and flossing daily).
Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Dental Cleaning
Is it really necessary to schedule a dental cleaning, even when your teeth seem to be fine? Yes! These appointments help to monitor your dental health and identify potential issues in the earliest stages. Here are some of the reasons why you should stay consistent with your professional dental cleanings:
- Remove Stains and Buildup: Even when you are consistent about brushing and flossing, it’s possible that tartar and plaque can start to build up on the surface of your teeth. Even if the buildup is small, it can lead to a domino effect of other issues, such as staining on your teeth. When your dental hygienist removes the plaque and tartar, it minimizes the stains and discoloration on the surface of the teeth – leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile.
- Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease: If tartar and plaque start to build up near the gums or under the surface of the gums, then it creates the ideal conditions for the development of gum disease. It’s essential to have your teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis to avoid gum disease. Plus, the cleaning and examination is an opportunity to identify the early stages of gum disease, which means you can seek early intervention treatments before the gum infections progress.
- Avoid Premature Tooth Loss: Preventing gum disease and tooth decay with regular cleanings and checkups is essential to preserve the natural structure of your teeth and gums. These proactive steps help you maintain a healthy smile that lasts for many years. Being proactive about prevention and early treatments helps you avoid many serious dental issues down the road – including tooth loss and more.
- Protect Your Overall Health: Since gum disease is linked to many other systemic health issues, maintaining regular cleanings and examinations is a way to protect your overall health. Signing up for professional teeth cleaning twice a year is important to prevent gum disease, which reduces your risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Minimize Bad Breath: Do you always need a mint or gum in your mouth because you are worried about bad breath? These concerns might be related to gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental issues that need treatment. Scheduling a dental cleaning and examination is a way to get to the root of the problem so you can fix the issues causing your bad breath. Daily brushing and flossing should keep bad breath at bay.
- Early Intervention Treatments: The dentist might find signs that your teeth need small restorations or repairs during your examination. For example, catching fractures or broken fillings is important so you can have a minor treatment right now instead of more extensive treatment in the future. A proactive approach to fixing the filling when it’s small is a preventive way to avoid additional damage that could require major (and more expensive) restorations down the line – such as crowns, bridges, tooth extraction, and/or root canals.
- Save Money on Dental Costs: Even though there is an out-of-pocket expense for a dental cleaning appointment, consider it an “investment” because early detection and treatment help you avoid more expensive services in the future. Most dental insurance providers include cleanings and preventive services in their coverage. So, your out-of-pocket costs will be minimal. For example, you might only pay a small copay for the services.
- Peace of Mind: Regular visits to the dentist give you the peace of mind of knowing that your teeth and gums are healthy. Even though you can’t quantify this benefit, many patients notice that they are happy to have the reassurance of knowing that their smiles are healthy.
It’s Time to Schedule a Dental Cleaning
There’s no question that you will benefit from regular dental cleanings and examinations. If it’s been a while since you were in the dental chair, reach out to our team to book an appointment. We offer full-service cleaning and examination services, including digital X-rays and imaging, to get a closer look at what is happening in your mouth.
Our goal is to partner with our patients so we can help you maintain the healthiest smile possible. In addition to general dentistry, we also offer restorative treatments and cosmetic services. During your checkup and cleaning, we will discuss a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs.
When you are ready for more information, contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas to schedule an appointment. We are always here to answer your questions and assist with anything that you need!
