Dental cleanings, also known as prophylactic cleanings, are a common category of preventive dental care procedures. Dental hygienists, or dentists, typically perform these operations. Therefore, they guarantee proper oral hygiene by avoiding tooth decay and periodontal disease.
The most important component of oral hygiene is going for regular dental exams and cleaning sessions. Most people tend to delay such visits, but there are numerous reasons why you should not do so.
In this article, we will explore the top 4 reasons why you need to make an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning.
Reason #1 – To Avoid Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
This is the most evident reason why dental cleaning is vital. As we discussed in the beginning, dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar from teeth, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, during a dental visit, your dentist will attentively inspect your teeth for demineralization signs, which are early stages of decay. The demineralization process is the first phase of cavity development, marked by the breakdown of the crystals of enamel.
In some cases, your dentist might be able to bring it back to its early period of tooth decay with fluoride application.
Reason #2 – To Optimize Your Oral Hygiene Routinely
Tooth brushing is very effective up to a point, but there are still some parts of the mouth that the brush cannot reach. Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from these places, which aids in the healthy maintenance of teeth.
Moreover, dental exams help to point out such spots in your mouth that you tend to forget while cleaning your teeth. They may also tell you which toothbrush you should use and the right brushing and flossing methods. All these little tasks really contribute to a good overall daily dental care routine.
Reason #3 – To Cut Costs to the Maximum Extent
You can save a significant amount of money over time by maintaining good oral hygiene with routine cleanings and exams. The reason is that dental diseases that are treated in their initial stages are very much less expensive compared to those that are left to advance.
For instance, a small hole can be sealed with a hundred dollars, while if the issue isn’t solved and the hole turns into a large one, then root canals are considered the best solution, which can cost much more. Therefore, it is a good idea to visit your dentist for an exam and cleaning on a regular basis because it may help you save in the long run.
Reason #4 – To Have an Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is a big health problem that is spreading so fast among people. Oral cancer, which is a collective term for cancers affecting the lips, soft and hard palates, pharynx, tongue, gums, and inner cheeks, is a fairly common type of cancer.
Your dental practitioner will look for signs of oral cancer, including lumps and bumps on the tissue, changes in the tissue’s color, or non-healing sores. If oral cancer is detected early, the survival rate is very high.
