Most people brush and floss their teeth regularly so they might wonder why dental cleanings are such an important part of the oral hygiene regimen. After all, if you’re brushing every day, aren’t you removing all of the plaque that could cause gum disease? Not exactly. Here are some reasons why you should keep your appointments for dental cleanings every six months.
Your Hygienist Will Clean Under Your Gums
Even if you have impeccable oral hygiene and never miss a brushing session, bacteria and plaque can accumulate under your gumline. If it’s not removed promptly, it will turn into calculus or tartar. Prime spots for tartar to build up include inside the lower incisors and on the outside of the molars. Your dental hygienist has the tools needed to remove that hard material; if it’s left alone, it will continue to accumulate and can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Your Hygienist Will Measure Your Gum Pockets
One of the first signs of gingivitis is gum pockets; this is when the gum tissues begins to pull away from the teeth. Pockets of one or two millimeters are normal; once they are above three millimeters, they could become problematic. Because the difference is literally just a millimeter, it’s impossible for you to know whether your gum pockets are getting too deep. A periodic cleaning allows the hygienist to measure these spaces and prompt you to seek treatment early, if needed.
Your Dentist Will Check Your Teeth for Decay
Dental cleanings take place every six months, and that’s about how long it takes for a small cavity to become large enough to see on a dental film in many cases. It would take more months for you to be able to see the cavity in your own mouth. Treating a cavity when it’s still very small means that the treatment is usually noninvasive; letting it fester longer puts you at risk of needing a root canal, a crown, or even an extraction.
Keep your appointments for dental cleanings so you can enjoy the benefits of having less tartar, measured gum pockets, and fewer cavities. If you’re overdue for a cleaning, give us a call today to schedule one.
