While there are many steps you can take at home to protect your teeth, you need the help of a dentist to keep your smile in its best condition. When was your last appointment for teeth cleaning? Although many people underestimate the importance of routine dental care, professional dental cleanings can help you to protect your overall health. Here are three powerful benefits of professional teeth cleanings. 

Advantages of Routine Teeth Cleaning

1. Prevent Tooth Decay

When plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth, they help bacteria grow. Unfortunately, these bacteria produce harmful acids as they grow, which can dissolve dental enamel and lead to tooth decay. In addition to impacting the appearance of your smile, decay can also lead to tooth loss and inflammation, contributing to infections and diseases like diabetes and cancer. 

2. Identify Issues Early

After your teeth are cleaned, your dentist will check them carefully for problems like cavities, chips, damaged dental work, and fractures. By identifying these problems early, your dentist can fix issues proactively, helping you avoid dental pain and complicated repairs. During your examination, your dentist will also screen you for issues like oral cancer, which could catch the problem before it’s too big. 

3. Save Time and Money

In addition to making things easier, routine teeth cleanings and subsequent examinations can also save you a lot of time and money—especially since dental insurance typically covers basic repairs. Small abnormalities are much faster and less expensive to repair than issues like lost teeth and advanced periodontal disease, so make preventative care a priority for your family. 

If you know that you are due for a professional teeth cleaning, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas Park DDS in Seymour, CT. In addition to offering a wide variety of preventive and restorative dental services, Dr. Park also helps patients with cosmetic dentistry and the treatment of periodontal disease. To learn more about his practice or set up an appointment, call (203) 888-9947. You can also follow his Facebook page to stay up-to-date with dental tips.