People are more likely to maintain their yearly dental examinations than their dental cleaning schedules. The simple process of having your teeth cleaned will not only make your next dental appointment easier, but might help you catch problems sooner.

Keep Stains At Bay

If you are concerned about the aesthetics of your teeth, routine cleanings can make it easier to prevent or remove stains. Many people utilize home whitening kits or whitening toothpaste to try and keep their teeth white. The problem with these products is they are not suitable for everyone. They might cause gum irritation or wear-down the enamel on your teeth. If you feel like you need to whiten your teeth, it is best done by a dentist. Your regular dental cleaning every six months can remove surface stains that are unaffected by brushing. When you have stains removed in a timely manner, they are less likely to penetrate deeper levels of the enamel and require more invasive procedures to remove them.

Reduce Gum Disease

Regular cleanings can reduce your risk of gum disease because the dental hygienist is removing tartar from the gum line and polishing your teeth. The less time tartar sits at or below the gum line, the fewer opportunities it has to cause irritation and develop deeper pockets associated with gum disease. If you already have gum disease, your dentist might recommend a more invasive method of cleaning, scaling and root planing. This type of deep cleaning removes tartar and other debris from any pockets in your gums. It may take several sessions of deep cleaning to return to healthy gums. Once your gums are healthy, returning to a regular cleaning schedule can reduce the chances of these pockets returning.

Have An Extra Set Of Eyes

Since dental cleanings are typically scheduled twice per year, this means you have extra opportunities for someone to notice problems that you can address with your dentist. Your dental hygienist is well-trained at keeping your teeth clean, so they might tell you if they notice areas that you are not cleaning as well. For example, the back teeth and the back of your front teeth are notoriously difficult to clean. Your hygienist might notice more plaque or staining in these areas and make suggestions, such as a rotating toothbrush, to help you effectively clean these areas. Some hygienists might notice the beginning of a cavity or other concerns they want you to address with your dentist. Additionally, if you typically do not experience any issues when having your teeth cleaned, but suddenly start experiencing discomfort, this is an issue you should ask your dentist about to ensure new problems are not occurring.

It is in your best interest to stop skipping dental cleanings. Maintaining your cleaning schedule is part of the overall approach to reduce dental problems. Contact a dental office, like Legacy Dental Arts, for more help.