When was the last time you visited your local Marietta dentist for a dental cleaning and oral exam? For too many people, dental visits are limited to times of pain, discomfort or visible inflammation. However, getting your teeth and gums assessed every six months is a crucial part of good oral hygiene. If you have been letting your teeth cleaning routine slip, it’s important to understand what can happen.
Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings so Important?
Dental cleanings are used to identify signs of decay, inflammation, bite concerns, broken fillings and other issues. With the ability to look very closely at your teeth and gums, it’s possible to see concerning signs before they lead to dental treatments. And of course, when issues are identified, early treatment can often prevent the loss of teeth.
What Oral Hygiene Issues Does Teeth Cleaning Prevent?
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Some types of bacteria are essential for preventing disease and keeping bad breath at bay. Unfortunately, there are also types of bacteria that lead to cavities and tooth decay. Bacteria can develop on your teeth, tongue and in the pockets underneath gums. When you don’t make dental cleanings a part of routine care, this bacteria can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is a common issue that gets worse the longer it is left untreated. Initially, an individual may experience some minor inflammation and redness that might feel tender. However, the disease can gradually damage the bone that holds a tooth in place. The most effective gum disease treatments tackle the issue quickly, and this requires an early diagnosis.
Plaque and Tartar
When your oral hygiene routine includes teeth cleaning, plaque is a common issue that can be dealt with early. Unfortunately, when plaque is allowed to harden into tartar, the gums can swell and put gum tissue at risk. During the teeth cleaning process, your dentist will scale and polish teeth to remove the plaque and tartar that builds up over time.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder causes discomfort and restricted movement in the jaw. Sometimes a person may have TMJ due to a bad bite. To identify an issue, your dentist will perform a physical assessment and take an X-ray during the dental cleaning and oral exam process.
Oral Cancer
An oral cancer screening dentist will look for potential symptoms and areas of concern that warrant further inspection by a doctor. Without this periodic inspection, oral cancer could spread to other areas and add to the complexity of subsequent treatment. Adding to the importance of dental cleanings, the early detection that a cleaning can provide is recognized as being key to effective cancer treatment.
Trusted Oral Exams and Dental Cleanings Near Me
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry provides dental cleanings and oral exams for patients of all ages. If you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums, visit our welcoming dental practice in Marietta. To contact us, call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment today.
