Dental Cleanings Are Important. Here’s Why
The truth is that, even though nearly 75% of adults in the United States have fear when it comes to going to the dentist, about 5–10% suffer from a true dental phobia. In fact, it is believed that 22% don't go to the dentist on a regular basis because of their fear. Even more alarming, in a survey done in 2014, only half of Americans go twice a year like recommended. Only 11% go every two to three years and one in five adults haven't gone to the dentist in several years.
It only means that many Americans don't visit the dentist on a regular basis. Though you may not think that it is a big deal, the truth is that dental cleanings are very important.
Reasons why adults need dental cleanings
Brighter smile
When you get your teeth professionally cleaned, your dentist will work hard to remove any stains that you may have on your teeth, leaving you with a brighter and whiter smile.
Prevention of dental disease
Good cleanings help prevent gum disease, which left untreated can lead to an unhealthy mouth and loss of teeth. Gum disease has also been linked to cardiovascular disease. Maintaining your dental health can also decrease your chance of strokes and heart attacks.
Detect problems early
During a thorough examination, dentists are looking to detect any problems. Many diseases are easier to treat if caught early. This is true for dental issues. You may be able to get away with just increasing your at-home care. However, if you wait too long, the disease can damage your teeth and you may need some serious treatment to get your smile back into shape.
Oral cancer is also treatable as long as it is caught early. Because of this, dentists look for signs of cancer in every mouth.
Cheaper to treat
These diseases are also cheaper to treat if you catch them early. If you can put a filling in, it costs a lot less than a root canal that you would need if you wait until your tooth breaks. The same could happen with a broken filling. Instead of just fixing it (if you find it early), you may need a root canal.
If your mouth is unhealthy, you may be dealing with multiple issues, which can really add up. If you had gone to the dentist regularly, you may have been able to find an easier and cheaper fit, instead of needing a lot of dental work all at once.
Even better, if you find something that you need to treat and you don't have an emergency, you can work out a financial plan with your dentist.
Reasons why dental cleanings are equally important for children
Good start
The best way to make sure that your children have a healthy mouth throughout their life is to teach them young. By helping them brush and floss their teeth at home, you are showing them how important it is to maintain good oral hygiene. Bringing them to the dentist only reinforces that idea. Both the dental hygienist and your dentist will talk to your children about healthy gums and teeth.
Monitor for orthodontic problems
The sooner that you try to fix a problem, the easier it is to do so. For this reason, more and more orthodontists are recommending children to visit them when they are seven years old. Their jaws and teeth are still forming so it can be easier (and take less time) to make the necessary changes. If you don't plan on visiting an orthodontist with your children, your regular dentist will look for any problems that may require specialist care during their routine cleaning and examination.
No matter how much you dislike the dentist, it is important to have a dental cleaning and examination every six months. This will help to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. They will also be able to remove stains so your teeth are whiter than they were before! Your dentist will also do a thorough examination to make sure that there aren't any problems that need to be addressed. The sooner that they are found, the easier (and cheaper) they are to fix!
If you haven't had a dental cleaning and examination in quite some time, don't hesitate to contact us today. We will be glad to make sure that your mouth is as healthy as possible!