At your regular visits to the dentist, you may have received instructions on how to care for your teeth between visits or heard warnings about how skipping cleanings can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. However, it’s possible that you’re not sure why you need to go in the first place. Here are some of the reasons why dental cleanings are so important and what you can expect when you visit your dentist office near me during these appointments.
Preventive Dentistry
Tooth decay is more common than you might think. According to statistics, one in every four children will develop cavities and 50% of adults will suffer from them too. Cavities are caused by plaque that sticks around on your teeth and then hardens into tartar (calculus). The longer plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the greater your risk for developing cavities. Unfortunately, many people avoid going to their dentist because they’re worried about how much it’s going to cost them. The truth is there are ways you can keep up with regular dental cleanings and still stick within your budget. If you need help maintaining good oral health, here’s why having dental cleanings at least twice a year can benefit you
Dentist near me is Not Enough
Did you know that oral health is as important as dental hygiene? One of the reasons why you’re advised to see your dentist twice a year for cleanings is so he or she can detect early signs of gum disease and tooth decay, which are precursors to heart disease. If left unchecked, they can lead to serious health problems down the road. If you already see your dentist regularly but have been putting off getting dental cleanings, schedule an appointment now—your body will thank you later.
Holistic Approach
Good dental hygiene should be an essential part of every individual’s day-to-day routine. Not only does it keep your smile healthy, but it also prevents bad breath and other complications like tooth decay and periodontal disease. However, there are few people who actually follow regular dental checkups. In fact, according to some estimates, just 5% of Americans visit their dentist twice in a year. If you find yourself in that percentage, then you should definitely know why frequent visits to your dentist are important! Here’s why
Teeth Grinding
Another important aspect of dental hygiene, but one that many patients overlook, is dental cleanings. A dentist office near me can help you avoid any further issues with grinding your teeth. Excessive pressure on your molars may result in cracking or chipping of your teeth. In extreme cases, it can even lead to painful sensitivity and tooth loss. This all sounds incredibly unpleasant! Also know that, if you grind your teeth during sleep, there’s a chance that you may experience temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This medical condition results in jaw pain and clicking noises when opening and closing your mouth.
Brushing, Flossing and Rinsing
Even with frequent flossing and brushing, you may still need dental cleanings. Regular visits are crucial for removing plaque and tartar from your teeth; otherwise, bacteria can build up and lead to cavities. At dental office near me, we want all of our patients to be informed about what’s happening during their visits; if you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask! Book an appointment today—we’re looking forward to meeting you.
Oral Cancer Screening
Did you know that, each year, more than 41,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer? While it might not be something that you worry about every day, it’s still important to have regular dental cleanings and annual oral cancer screenings. The dentist will remove any excess buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth. They’ll also check for any suspicious spots or abnormalities during a visual exam of your mouth. And remember: it’s always best to get these services twice a year instead of waiting for symptoms and/or changes in your mouth before making an appointment.
Benefits of Regular Cleanings
Regular cleanings can help you stay cavity-free, which is important because tooth decay is one of those things that’s easy to prevent but very difficult and expensive to treat. Cavities aren’t just annoying—they also cause pain and make it hard for you to eat certain foods. Once you develop them, it takes weeks or even months of eating soft foods in order for your mouth to heal and regain its normal function. If you want your teeth healthy and clean, regular checkups are critical. And don’t forget about your gums! Your gums need care too, and dental cleanings take care of those concerns by removing tartar build up from plaque buildup on your teeth and gum line.
Tips for Finding an Affordable Dentist
When you’re in search of affordable dental care, one of your best bets is to find an out-of-network dentist office. A study by Consumer Reports showed that out-of-network dentists charge lower prices on average than those who only take insurance or those who don’t participate in insurance plans. This makes sense; out-of-network dentists can afford to set their own prices since they aren’t beholden to their insurance company for payment. In general, you can save even more money if you can afford what’s known as cash prices, rather than having your plan pay up front and being stuck with higher rates down the line when it comes time for reimbursement.
