A professional teeth cleaning is a must when it comes to good oral hygiene. Not only does it make your smile whiter and brighter, but it also helps your dentist identify any potential issues and offer solutions before damage becomes severe. If it has been a while since your last visit, here are a few reasons to schedule an appointment as soon as possible and follow through at least twice a year.

Remove Plaque & Tartar

Plaque fuels bacteria growth in your mouth, which can lead to decay. While proper brushing and flossing address some of the issues, hardened deposits — known as tartar — can only be removed with special dental tools. If left untreated, the problem will worsen and may eventually require a tooth extraction or other serious procedure.

Give You a Brighter Smile

Some foods and beverages discolor your enamel over time and require professional treatment to remedy. During a teeth cleaning, your dentist will scrub away stubborn surface stains that brushing can’t fix. In fact, sometimes the effects are so pernicious that they require special whitening procedures to undo.

Identify Serious Dental Issues

Regular visits to the dentist also allow you to deal with significant dental issues before they cause further problems. In many cases, once pain or swelling sets in, you will likely need more comprehensive treatment to address it. Early diagnosis favors quicker and easier solutions and enables you to correct any behaviors that might cause harm to your teeth — such as not flossing and brushing properly.

If you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning, turn to Dr. David K. Skeels and his skilled team in Rochester, NY. Dr. Skeels stays up-to-date on the latest research and technology, and he offers patients a range of services, from preventative to restorative dentistry, in a warm and comfortable environment. If you’d like to schedule an appointment and oral exam, call (585) 467-7000 today. You can also visit the website to learn more about how he can assist.