People of all ages should see the dentist every six months for teeth cleaning and an oral exam. Of course, should any problems, such as pain, discoloration, or bleeding gums arise between your biannual cleaning and exam, you should schedule a dental appointment. Regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing oral health conditions, maintaining oral health, and for the earliest detection of problems.
Professional Teeth Cleanings Help Prevent Decay and Infection
Regular dental cleanings are preventive treatments. During your cleaning, plaque that leads to tooth decay and gum disease is removed from the teeth, thereby reducing your risk of needing restorative dental treatments such as fillings, dental crowns, or root canal therapy. Indeed, good oral hygiene coupled with regular cleanings from the dentist can prevent a host of oral health conditions that can be costly to treat.
Regular Dental Cleanings Are Essential for Maintaining Good Oral Health
In addition to preventing problems in the mouth, regular dental cleanings help you maintain good oral health. Maintaining excellent oral health will require work.
Consider that by the age of 30, nearly half of adults in the U.S. have some type of gum disease. Moreover, epidemiological studies show that more than 175 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. These sobering statistics demonstrate that maintaining good oral health will take some effort.
Even those who have excellent oral hygiene skills will experience buildup of plaque (bacteria) between the teeth and at the gum line, that cannot be removed with at-home brushing and flossing. Having your teeth cleaned at the dentist twice yearly will remove this plaque responsible for gum disease and tooth decay.
Twice Yearly Dental Cleanings Offer Earliest Detection of Problems
Your dental cleaning will always be accompanied by a comprehensive oral exam. The oral exam is equally as important as the cleaning. During an exam, your dentist will be looking for changes in tissue, lesions, problems with the bite, jaw structure, and signs of decay, infection, or inflammation. Indeed, regular dental cleanings afford you the earliest possible detection of any problems with your teeth or mouth.
It is Far Better to Go to the Dentist Late Than Never
For patients who haven’t received consistent oral healthcare, the thought of going to the dentist can be intimidating. However, you should never be afraid to seek oral health care, even if you’ve neglected regular care in the past. Poor oral health is linked with multiple, serious health conditions including heart disease and stroke. It is always better to go to the dentist late than to never go to the dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat uninsured patients?
Absolutely. We offer discounts for patients who do not have dental insurance. We also accept CareCredit financing, so you can pay for your dental care over time.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
Dental cleanings rarely take longer than an hour, often taking just 30 minutes. If you haven’t been in for a cleaning in six months or longer, the cleaning can take a bit longer.
Judgement-Free Dental Care in Aliso Viejo
At Aliso Smiles, you will never feel judged for inconsistent dental care in the past. We are here to help you take charge of your oral health now, in a welcoming and friendly environment. To schedule teeth cleaning in Aliso Viejo, call 949-916-7800 or send us a message.