Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams Important for Overall Health?

The short answer as to why dental cleanings and exams are essential is because they help your teeth stay healthy. Ideally, you want to visit your dentist at least twice a year unless your dentist tells you otherwise.

 

What Can You Expect at a Regular Dental Visit?

When you get a dental cleaning, you will go through an examination and basic cleaning. The dentist will check your teeth for cavities both visually and with X-rays. Plaque and tartar will also be examined and then removed, as necessary. As plaque and tartar accumulate, they can cause damage to your teeth if not taken care of promptly.

Your dentist will also examine your gums for gum disease with a tool that measures the depth of the space between teeth and gums. Healthy gums have shallow spaces, while unhealthy gums can be significantly deeper. Your dentist can tell you what to do to improve gum depth after a visit, too.

 

What Should You Do Between Regular Visits?

You need to take care of your teeth between regular visits. Plaque continuously forms on teeth, so brushing is critical to remove it regularly. Twice daily brushing habits are best, and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Mouthwash is a bonus to get the food particles that may be in places your floss cannot reach.

By taking care of your teeth regularly, you will also have the opportunity to notice any differences or changes in your mouth. You can act quickly and contact your dentist right away to prevent any significant issues if something happens that seems out of the ordinary.

 

Why Do Dentists Need Regular Visits?

Establishing a dentist and regular visits gives you a dental history your dentist can refer to in the future. The dental team will compare your current condition to previous checkups. They will know if things have improved or gotten worse since the last visit. Getting seen regularly means detecting issues before they become problems.

It is possible to detect other illnesses, like cancer, during regular cleanings. Early detection is vital if you want to stop and cure cancer, and dental visits can make that possible. Health issues like heart attacks and strokes are also linked to gum disease, so regular cleaning can also help prevent cardiovascular disease.

 

What if You Do Not Have Insurance?

Dental insurance is vital as it covers most basic procedures like cleanings, regular checkups, and X-rays. If you do not have insurance, you will need to discuss financing options with your dentist. Do not let the fear of financial burden prevent you from getting proper dental care. Not getting the care can lead to worse things, including death.

As always, discuss your concerns and questions with your dentist to make sure you get the best dental care available. To book an appointment or ask the dental staff about cleanings, call Cal Oaks Dental at 951-501-4900 or visit our office in Murrieta, California.