You should visit a dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning. During this appointment, plaque and tartar buildup will be removed from the teeth using specialized tools. A hygienist will also polish each tooth and floss between your teeth. Learn why this preventive care is essential for your everyday oral health below.

Why Are Biannual Teeth Cleanings Important?

1. Prevents Gum Disease

Plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline fosters bacteria growth and is the first step to gum disease. This disease will cause the gums to recede and bacteria pockets to form against teeth roots when left untreated. It can even result in the loss of your teeth.

The infection can also spread to the bloodstream, causing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. Removing plaque before it has a chance to infect the gums will prevent such serious health problems.

2. Catches Problems Early

It’s difficult to see inside your own mouth, so monitoring oral health at home is nearly impossible. While performing a cleaning, the dentist will closely inspect the gums and mouth, looking for signs of problems.

They will check for issues like oral cancer, which is much more treatable when caught early. They will also inspect for cavities, cracks, and receding gums, and they will address these problems before they worsen.

3. Saves on Dental Care

A routine checkup and cleaning every six months is covered under most dental insurance plans. This makes them either completely free or very low-cost. Meanwhile, the care involved in treating a serious health condition will likely be very expensive. Catching issues early will save you money because preventive care is much more affordable than emergency or restorative care.

 

The dental office of Larry G. Hubbard, DDS, provides comprehensive care to patients throughout Statesboro, GA. This dentist and his team are committed to keeping you comfortable throughout your cleaning, using IV sedation when necessary. In addition to preventive care, they offer implants, dentures, partials, teeth whitening, and orthodontic services. Learn more on their website, and call (912) 764-9891 to schedule an appointment.