As individuals faithfully brush and floss their pearly whites twice a day, many question the necessity of seeing their dentists for cleanings twice a year. When they smile in the mirror, everything looks fine. Such evidence, combined with suffering no pain or discomfort, leads some to opt out of dental cleaning every six months. However, it is what they are not seeing in the mirror that requires the twice yearly recommended dental visits in order to maintain optimal overall health.
Your mouth produces plaque, a filmy substance of bacteria that not only coats the teeth but also infiltrates above and below the gum line. Because plaque production is a natural and constant occurrence, brushing it away twice a day only removes some of the plaque. Plaque that is left behind in crevices that the toothbrush misses eventually calcifies into a hard, crusty, yellowish-brown substance called tartar. Plaque that is left behind within the gums leads to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that results from the festering bacteria. While the tartar left on the enamel surface of the teeth can take months to cause tooth decay, gingivitis can develop in a matter of days to weeks. Gingivitis begins as a mild inflammation. If left untreated, it will eventually lead to a more advanced level of gum disease called periodontitis.
Periodontal disease is very serious. The condition leads to bone loss, resulting in tooth loss because the teeth lose their base in which to anchor. Infection and oral abscesses are also common as a result of the raging level of bacteria. The bacteria enter the bloodstream as well, traveling throughout the body to attack such organs as the heart and kidneys, dramatically compromising your overall health.
Seeing your dentist or hygienist every six months will reset the clean slate. Teeth will be cleaned with ultrasonic scaling that extends just beyond the gum line, removing the plaque and tartar buildup. Cosmetic advantages will also result as most staining from caffeine or tobacco use will be removed and teeth will be polished for a renewed shine and luster.
During the course of a dental cleaning, a full oral examination will take place. Such abnormalities as cavities, gum disease and oral tumors will be detected in the early stages when prompt treatment will be most effective. Once these conditions have progressed to advanced stages, such procedures as gum surgery, root canals or tooth extractions may be the only options. Most dental insurance plans cover dental cleanings twice a year in order to prevent these more costly scenarios.
Because every patient is a unique individual, seeing your dentist or hygienist every six months will help him or her to guide you toward an oral health care regimen that will be tailored to your mouth’s needs.
While a complete preventative oral health program begins at home, the benefits of a dental cleaning every six months extend far beyond a pretty smile today. A clean mouth means healthier gums and improved overall health for many years ahead.
