This post is a follow up to “Why Do You Need a Dental Checkup?”
In addition to a dental checkup every six months, you also need a dental cleaning. Yes, you need a dental cleaning. Clean teeth may feel great when you leave the dentist’s office, but don’t let that fool you. A dental cleaning is not a massage or a manicure. It’s imperative to your continued oral health.
At your dental cleanings, a hygienist will inspect your gums where they meet your teeth. She’ll look for signs of periodontal pockets, which can indicate gum disease. Plaque naturally occurs in our mouths, and if it isn’t removed, it hardens into tarter on teeth, at the gum line. This irritates gums and can contribute to bacterial infection, or gum disease. Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is linked to increased risk of many systemic health problems, and it’s the main cause of adult tooth loss.
The hygienist will clean your teeth to remove plaque, tarter, and food debris. She’ll polish your teeth, as well, leaving them silky smooth and plaque-free. By giving your teeth a good cleaning every six months, you’ll deter the potential for developing gum disease and bad breath.
While you’re with the hygienist, be sure to ask her any questions you have about oral healthcare at home. If you avoid flossing because it’s difficult, the hygienist can offer simple tips to make the process easier. She can also recommend products, from toothbrushes to chewing gum.
If you’ve gone more than six months between dental visits, call Dental Impressions right now to schedule a checkup and cleaning. Your smile, your health, and your life depend on YOU to make wise decisions regarding preventive maintenance. Located in Ankeny, IA, Dental Impressions serves patients of all ages from Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman, and surrounding communities.
