If you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, you’re already taking steps toward preventing dental conditions. But if you aren’t seeing a dentist for routine cleanings, then your hard work may not be enough. Proper brushing and flossing, even with mouthwash, can only remove most of the plaque and harmful bacteria in your mouth. Without professional dental cleanings in Dallas, TX, plaque could harden into tartar and lead to decay or damage. By visiting your dentist every six months, you could help prevent the need for additional treatment.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings in Dallas, TX
Getting your teeth cleaned may not be the most comfortable or enjoyable experience. But it is a crucial one. Professional dental hygiene tools can safely and effectively remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Dental cleanings can also help clean hard-to-reach places that may get overlooked during your hygiene routine. If you allow plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth, you increase the risk of developing decay and damage. But removing harmful bacteria from your teeth isn’t the only benefit of seeing a dentist regularly.
Early Diagnosis
Most dental conditions have various stages that influence your oral health and treatment needs. Gum disease, for example, can often be treated with a simple antibacterial wash in the early stages of gingivitis. But if it advances to periodontitis, then you may need more invasive treatment or even gum surgery. When you see your dentist for a cleaning, they’ll also examine your mouth for any signs of concern. Dentists may be able to pick up on early symptoms of decay, damage, or disease. By identifying these issues early on, you may be able to treat the problem with minimally invasive procedures.
Oral Health Tracking
When you visit the dentist regularly, it’s also easier for them to keep track of your oral health. At each visit, your dentist can often tell how effective your at-home oral hygiene routine is in each area of the mouth. This can help them determine problem areas that may need more attention. This also allows them to keep an eye on certain conditions that have the chance to develop into worse issues. For example, say you have an old dental filling. Most fillings last between ten and twenty years, depending on the material used and your oral health. If you had a filling as a child, it may start to degrade or come loose as an adult. Your dentist can keep an eye on it at every visit to help determine when it’s time to replace it for maximum protection.
If you aren’t seeing the dentist regularly for a cleaning and exam, you could be at a higher risk for developing decay or damage. At East Quarter Dental, we believe that preventative care is key to maintaining high oral health. Call our office today at 469-529-5401 to schedule your next cleaning and take control of your oral hygiene.