Seven Benefits of a Dental Cleaning and Exam

Professional dental cleanings aren’t just for keeping your smile bright; they can have a significant impact on your oral health and your overall health, as well. Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but to ensure teeth and mouth are healthy and thoroughly clean, you should schedule regular check-ups and dental cleanings at least twice a year (more often if you have periodontal disease).

Here are seven reasons professional cleanings are so important: 

Prevent plaque, which leads to cavities

The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and it is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing and dental cleanings.

Stop tooth loss

Gum disease, which starts with built-up plaque, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, the chance of this happening to you can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits.

Brighten your smile

Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco can stain your teeth. A dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave you with freshly polished teeth. The result? A whiter, brighter smile!

Freshen your breath

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and odor-free.  Also, some medical and dental conditions, such as dry mouth, periodontal disease and diabetes, can cause bad breath.   Dr. Morrison will discuss this during the exam if you have concerns about bad breath. 

Boost your overall health

Studies have shown a strong connection between your oral and overall health. Poor oral hygiene can cause periodontal disease, which is linked to cardiovascular disease, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease and many other problems. Regular dental cleanings may help lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. 

Save money

Get the most value from your dental benefits. Most dental plans have low or no co-payments/coinsurance for dental cleanings and oral exams. If you take advantage of your benefits now, you may be able to save money in the long run by helping to protect your oral health and potentially avoiding more costly and extensive procedures. If you are a member of our St. Mary's Dental Savings Plan, you receive two discounted cleanings each year, as well as discounted treatment, should that become necessary. 

Catch problems early

At your cleaning we can usually catch minor problems, such as broken fillings and fractures, at the earliest possible stage - before they come time consuming, expensive and sometimes painful. Many medical conditions, some of them life-threatening (such as oral cancer), can be detected in their early stages during a routine oral exam. Often problems can go unnoticed because patients are unaware of symptoms, or a patient does not have noticeable symptoms until the advanced stages.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS, we take every opportunity to educate our patients and keep them up-to-date with the best ways to care for their oral health. Our goal is to prevent problems from occurring - and if they do, to address them at the earliest possible stage. If you have any questions about your dental health please make an appointment with us today. You can schedule online or call us at 919 755 3450.