Did you know that in the US, chronic gum disease affects 47% of adults over 30? Interesting number, right?
Gum disease (officially known as periodontitis) can be responsible for receding and swollen gums, bad breath, pain, loose teeth, and ongoing periodontitis can also lead to the loss of tissue and bone.
Not so fun that gum disease.
But there’s good news. Treating periodontitis can be reversible if caught in the early stages.
So how does that happen?
With regular teeth cleanings.
They can help prevent, detect and treat many health concerns from oral cancer to saving you money.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of regular teeth cleanings.
5 BENEFITS OF REGULAR TEETH CLEANINGS
1. Oral Cancer Screening
A standard of care at your teeth cleaning visit is an oral cancer screening.
Like periodontitis, oral cancer is best caught early, and with regular cleanings (usually scheduled six months apart, but ultimately depends on individual needs) you will have the best chance of addressing concerns before they become larger problems.
2. Disease Prevention
Regular teeth cleanings can help prevent periodontitis (gum disease) or at least catch it before it becomes a larger issue.
Infections in the mouth don’t have to stay there—and if left unaddressed for a long enough period of time—can enter the bloodstream and hitch a ride to vital organs such as the heart.
Regular cleanings will give your dentist an opportunity to catch and treat these issues before they become a larger challenge to your health.
3. Money and Time Saver
We’re pretty sure you’ve heard that emergency dentistry is more costly than preventative dentistry—both financially and physically.
That’s why one of the biggest perks to regular teeth cleanings is that it’s part of preventative dentistry and may help catch and treat dental issues while they’re still relatively small (and not as costly if they became emergent!).
4. Dental Care Guidance
Basic dental care—which includes regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups for cleanings—is important for your oral health and preventative dentistry routine.
During your teeth cleanings, a dental professional will be able to spot any areas in your mouth or overall health that may need attention and can give you guidance on how to up your oral health game.
5. Develop Healthy Habits
Regular teeth cleanings can eventually develop into a healthy habit that will make future visits (regular or otherwise) less stressful and reduce dental anxiety.
And if you have children, it’s a great opportunity to model a healthy habit and get them used to a regular teeth cleaning schedule as part of a healthy lifestyle.
So, you may be wondering how often are a “regular” teeth cleaning?
Because everyone is different and requires a unique level of attention—regular teeth cleanings are scheduled every six months. However, this may vary depending on your individual situation.
Ready to schedule a teeth cleaning?
We’d be happy to help you begin your oral health journey!
Contact Integrity Dental in Pueblo, CO to get started.