Going to the dentist for regular check ups is recommended by nearly every dentist and dental hygienist in the country. However, many people aren’t sure why they go to have the same thing done every six months when they floss and brush well at home. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should get regular cleanings from your dentist.
First, a dentist will be able to spot minor problems before they become major problems. For example, a good dentist will be able to point out a potential cavity before the tooth is fully decayed. This way, you can have it taken care of before it becomes a much more serious and painful issue. A cavity is just one of the problems a dentist could find.
Avoiding dental health issues only makes them worse. The teeth will become more yellowed, sensitive, and prone to cavities the longer you avoid having them cleaned professionally.
Second, dental health impacts the rest of the body. Studies have been shown that those with dental issues that they do not address have a higher risk for cardiovascular and other blood related health problems. People who don’t care for their dental hygiene are even more prone to colds and flues than other people. This is because the gums are a direct route for germs and other infectious bacteria. Taking care of your mouth can ensure the safety of the rest of your body.
A professional cleaning uses products that you cannot get in the stores and tools that reach places you cannot. This has nothing to do with how well you brush and floss and more to do with the training that the professionals receive. They know exactly how to get your teeth perfectly clean every six months so that you don’t have to worry as much about not doing it perfectly. Of course, this does not mean you shouldn’t do your best. Instead, it means that the dentist can use those appointments for teaching moments in the areas where you are slipping.
When you fall out of the habit of going to the dentist for regular cleanings, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things. You may feel guilty and not want to face the dentist. It is silly to think that they will judge you. You may also be afraid of what the dentist will find. This is a normal fear, but the longer you let it wait, the worse the problem will become.
If it has been more than six months since you have last had a professional cleaning, call the dentist today. You will feel much better after you have gone. Your mouth, and the rest of your body, will thank you.
