The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings

According to a survey by insurance comparison tool ValuePenguin, nearly half of insured Americans and 65% of those without insurance skip dental visits. Meanwhile, 30% of Americans regret not caring for their teeth better.

Scheduling regular dental check-ups can protect your smile, help you avoid expensive procedures, and reduce your risk of serious health complications. These are only a few dental cleaning advantages you can experience by prioritizing preventive care.

Unsure if you need to increase your dental appointment frequency? Read on to discover the benefits of dental check-ups today!

Preventive Dental Care

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 90% of adults ages 20 to 64 develop tooth decay, and gum disease affects almost 50% of adults ages 45 to 64. These conditions remain two of the most prevalent oral diseases and can cause serious complications. 

Prioritizing preventive dental care can protect your oral and overall health. Here are a few health benefits of dental check-ups to consider.

Cavities

Our mouths are full of helpful and harmful bacteria. When combined with food and saliva, this bacteria can form a soft, sticky film that clings onto our teeth: plaque. The bacteria in plaque can use starch and sugar to release acid.

This acid can erode protective tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities (dental caries). Holes will form in your teeth, causing:

• Toothaches or pain
• White or brown stains on your teeth
• Infections
• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets

A tooth infection can lead to an abscess or pocket of pus. Symptoms include fever, facial swelling, and pain. Without treatment, patients can develop mediastinitis, increasing the mortality rate of a dental abscess to 40%.

An abscess can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Blood infection
• Loss of the tooth
• Spread of infection to soft tissue or the jaw bone
• Spread of infection to other parts of the body

You can avoid tooth decay by prioritizing preventive dental care. During your check-up, the dentist will assess your teeth and gums. If they recognize the early signs of tooth decay, they will ensure you receive treatment before it spreads.

Your dentist can provide oral health check-up tips to help you protect your teeth at home. These may include:

• Getting enough fluoride
• Fluoride treatments or sealants
• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Improving your teeth-brushing technique
• Flossing daily
• Not using tobacco products
• Improving your diet

Their advice will help you protect your smile between appointments.

Gum Disease

Excessive plaque growth can cause a bacterial infection, leading to gingivitis and inflamed gums. Gum disease is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults.

When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, leading to a gum infection below the gum line. Without treatment, your gums may separate from your teeth, causing teeth to become loose and unstable. Other signs you should visit a periodontal care dentist include:

• Sensitive teeth
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Gums that pull away from teeth
• Partial dentures no longer fitting
• Foul-smelling breath
• Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
• Gums that bleed
• Malocclusion (a change in how your teeth fit together)
• Pain when chewing

Remember, one of the top dental cleaning advantages is prevention. Your dentist can spot early signs of gingivitis before it progresses. They may recommend a deep cleaning to keep the infection from spreading.

Your dentist can recommend prevention tips, including:

• Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily
• Eating a balanced diet
• Visiting the dentist regularly

Periodontal and preventive dental care can help you avoid other health problems. Otherwise, advanced gum disease may increase your risk of lung disease, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. You can learn more about periodontal care here.

Personalized Oral Health Check-up Tips

During regular dental check-ups, your dentist may recognize potential problems or areas that need improvement. They can provide personalized oral health check-up tips based on these issues or your concerns. Their preventive dentistry advice can help you avoid future oral health problems. 

For example, they may note excessive plaque formation on and between your teeth. Your dentist may recommend switching to an electric toothbrush or better toothpaste. 

During these appointments, let your dentist know if you have any specific concerns. For example, you may be unhappy with small gaps between your teeth. They may recommend orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, to straighten your teeth and close these gaps.

Their personalized oral health check-up tips can improve your smile, appearance, and health. This could boost your self-confidence, improve your mood, and improve your quality of life.

Cancer Screenings

During these routine appointments, your dentist can screen you for oral cancer. Early signs include:

• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Malocclusion
• Ear pain
• Weight loss
• A sore throat
• Bumps in the mouth
• Changes to your voice
• Bleeding

Early detection will ensure you begin treatment immediately, potentially leading to fewer complications. 

Brighter, Cleaner Teeth

Plaque and tartar can cause your teeth to appear yellow or discolored. You may start hiding your smile, especially in social settings. Regular dental check-ups can improve the appearance of your teeth and smile.

Your dentist may recommend cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening. Brightening your teeth may boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Improving the appearance of your teeth can further improve your oral health. For example, plaque can cause bad breath. Other causes of bad breath (halitosis) include:

• Using tobacco products
• Dry mouth
• Poor oral hygiene practices
• Odor-causing bacteria on the tongue
• Neglecting to clean your dentures
• Certain foods
• Gum disease

Your dentist can determine the underlying cause of your bad breath. They can make personalized recommendations to improve your oral health and smile. 

Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

Skipping regular dental check-ups may be detrimental to your oral and overall health. Instead, talk to your dentist about preventive dental care. They can make personalized oral health check-up tips based on your concerns and needs. 

Ready to schedule your next check-up? Our team at Central Dental Associates offers extraordinary dental care in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.

We possess many dental experiences and specialties, ensuring you receive intensive treatment at a state-of-the-art facility. Contact us now to request an appointment!