With the holidays quickly approaching, your schedule may consist of work holiday parties, family gatherings, and gift shopping. However, while scheduling a teeth cleaning might be the last thing on your mind, it’s essential to prioritize your oral health to ensure it’s at its best. Below are five benefits of scheduling regular teeth cleanings. 

How Regular Teeth Cleanings Can Benefit You 

1. Prevent Cavities

No one likes getting fillings, but fortunately, you can prevent cavities. Dental care experts recommend brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove hard-to-reach plaque from between the teeth. Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam to prevent unwanted cavities. 

2. Stop Tooth Loss

Poor dental hygiene often leads to tooth decay and gingivitis, which can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or require oral surgery. Establishing a regular teeth-cleaning routine helps you avoid the pain and expense of these problems.

3. Brighten Your Smile

Plaque and tartar build up over time around the teeth, causing them to turn yellow. Those who use tobacco or drink wine, coffee, or tea are more likely to have discolored teeth. Professional cleanings can temporarily remove these stains, leaving your teeth whiter and brighter. For longer-lasting results, talk to your dentist about specialized teeth whitening procedures or veneers.

4. Freshen Your Breath

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash are effective ways to reduce bacteria that cause bad breath, but they are not substitutes for professional teeth cleaning. If bad breath is an ongoing problem for you, your dentist can determine if it’s a symptom of a more serious issue, such as periodontal disease.

5. Boost Your Overall Health

Bacteria from your mouth can travel to other parts of your body, including your heart and lungs. Infections from gum disease can end up in your bloodstream, causing pregnancy complications, heart issues, and respiratory infections. Thorough teeth cleanings can greatly reduce your risk these conditions. 

Although it might be tempting to let it fall to the bottom of your to-do list, scheduling regular teeth cleaning is a vital part to maintain your oral health at its best. The friendly staff at Magnolia Dental in Waynesboro, VA, can provide the customized care you and your family need. They offer basic cosmetic and advanced treatments, as well as teeth cleaning and basic health services. To schedule an appointment, call (540) 943-2723 or visit their website to learn more about the practice.