Top 10 Reasons To Have Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly

Having your teeth cleaned regularly has many benefits, both for your health and your pocket book.  How often should you have your teeth cleaned?  That depends on what your dental needs are.  It's always a wise decision to follow a schedule designed by your dentist or dental hygienist.  Many people have excellent home care and their needs are minimal when it comes to cleanings.  If you're one of these people, it's recommended to have cleanings every 6 months.  For others who have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease, in most cases treatment is recommended every 3-4 months.  But as you'll read, it's not all about your teeth. 

Here are the Top 10 Reasons To Have Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly

1. Brighten Your Smile - Have stains removed.  Your hygienist can remove stains caused by coffee, tea, sodas, and tobacco which can give you a bright, white smile!
2. Detect Dental Problems Early - Pay less!  In many cases if dental problems are detected early, it will cost you less to have the problems fixed.  Example; a smaller cavity needs a smaller filling and smaller fillings costs less than bigger fillings do.  Waiting to take care of a dental problem will not only cost more, but it can lead to other problems as well.  
3. Prevent Periodontal (Gum) Disease - During a cleaning appointment, your hygienist will remove plaque and calculus build up, which are irritation factors that can lead to gum disease.  If your gums bleed and you have bad breath, it's possible you may be suffering from gum disease which is a leading cause of tooth loss.
4. Maintain Good Physical Health - Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal (gum) diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
5. Clean Only The Teeth You Want To Keep - Yes, that's right.  If you are planning to keep your teeth for the rest of your life you need to have them cleaned.  If not you may end up with gum disease which, as stated earlier, is a leading cause for tooth loss.
6. Oral Cancer Screenings -The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for oral and oropharyngeal cancers in the USA for 2011 states that about 34,300 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer.  Of that number, an estimated 6,900 people will die from these cancers. The average age of most people diagnosed with these cancers is 62, but they can occur in young people. They are rare in children, but about one-third occur in patients younger than 55.
7. Prevent Bad Breath - A dirty mouth means stinky breath!  Dental plaque that accumulates on and around a person's teeth holds bacteria that creates the waste products responsible for causing bad breath.  Gum disease also produces a very strong odor!
8. Create A Treatment Plan -  A visit with your hygienist not only means cleaning your teeth, but other factors that may be present in your mouth are also identified.  A plan for treating your teeth so they are restored to optimal function will be given to you, and appointments will be scheduled so we can get your mouth in top working order.
9. Take Advantage of Dental Insurance - If you're paying for dental insurance and not going to the dentist, you're throwing your money away.  Many insurance companies will pay for preventive visits, which includes cleanings, at 100% of the cost.  Take advantage of the benefits offered to you so you can have the best oral health possible.
10. Maintain Oral Health - Your hygienist will evaluate your mouth to find out if your taking care of your teeth properly and offer advice on ways to improve your home care, if necessary.