Your smile is the focal point of your every first impression. Keeping your teeth bright, clean, and straight can make you appear healthier and more attractive. The next time you consider skipping a teeth cleaning appointment, think of what you're doing to your smile. Here, Dr. Tris J. Carta, a leading dentist in Manchester, CT, shares the importance of these cleanings, and why visiting your dentist can protect your smile for life.

While dental appointments are important for a variety of reasons, cleanings protect your mouth in three specific ways:

• Prevent Cavities: During your appointment, your dentist will inspect your teeth for cavities. Initially, a cavity may not affect your smile. However, if left untreated, they can lead to decay or tooth loss. Only a licensed dentist can identify and fill a crack or hole, so making your appointments is the surest way to resolve an issue.
• Fight Gum Disease: The buildup of plaque on your teeth and along your gum lines is the leading cause of gum disease. Over time, this may weaken the bones in your jaw and cause tooth loss. Teeth cleaning appointments will monitor any disease or inflammation in your mouth. At your visit, your dentist will clear away plaque and advise you on how to better care for your smile.
• Save Money in the Long Term: You may consider skipping a dentist appointment to save money. However, if your mouth houses undetected problems, they could turn into a much larger bill down the road. Dental implants, tooth extractions, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry procedures are much more difficult, costly, and painful than cleanings. Visit your dentist regularly to keep your bill low and your smile bright.

To maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, visit Dr. Tris J. Carta in Manchester, CT. As a father, husband, and past president of the Manchester Road Race, he is an incredibly passionate doctor who truly loves the community and those who live in it. For more information, visit his website or call (860) 646-2251 today.