While brushing and flossing are important, scheduling regular cleanings with your dentist is equally vital to your oral health. This routine treatment offers a number of advantages that you may not even realize. Here are three reasons to prioritize cleaning appointments at a family dentistry office.

Why Should You Schedule a Teeth Cleaning Appointment?

1. Prevent Cavities

Also known as tooth decay, cavities are the result of bacterial buildup in the mouth. As it accumulates, it leaves a sticky substance called plaque on the teeth. The acid in the plaque slowly breaks down the tooth’s enamel, ultimately causing a minuscule hole. The hole can slowly eat away at the affected tooth, eventually causing the roots to become exposed. During a routine cleaning visit, your family’s dentistry provider will eliminate the plaque deposits while restoring the strength of your enamel. Your dentist can also detect cavities during your appointment and resolve them before they worsen and cause significant pain.

2. Brighten Smile

If you use teeth whitening toothpaste and other over-the-counter remedies but aren’t satisfied with the results, your teeth may require more focused attention. Discolored teeth can occur for many reasons, from using tobacco to consuming stain-causing beverages like wine and coffee. Even some medications can cause stubborn stains. Since the tartar that causes plaque often has a yellowish tinge to it, your teeth may appear slightly whiter after your dentist cleans them. Your whitening treatments may also be more effective when your teeth are professionally cleaned.

3. Minimize Damage

Tooth loss is a common issue that affects approximately 178 million people in the United States. Among the most common reasons for this concern is gingivitis, also known as gum disease. Left untreated, the bone beneath the affected tooth may lose its integrity, eventually causing the tooth to fall out. Regular cleaning can reverse the effects of gingivitis. Some family dentistry patients may require a more intensive treatment called scaling and root planing, which involves removing the tartar and smoothing the roots to prevent future bacterial buildup.

If you are seeking a reliable family dentistry provider in Cincinnati, OH, visit Kemper Pond Dental. Providing comprehensive services in a comfortable environment, these professionals offer basic teeth cleanings, tooth extractions, root canal therapy, and other treatments to improve the health of your teeth and gums. Visit the website for more information, or call (513) 531-4069 to schedule an appointment.