Guess what? Your dental hygiene is one piece of the pie, so to speak. However, it’s not the only thing you need to maintain a healthy mouth and smile. “But I thought brushing and flossing leads to good oral health!” you exclaim. Yes, it does, but only when performed in conjunction with the other essential details that contribute to the absolute best state your oral tissues can achieve. Let’s cover some potentially familiar ground, so you give yourself the reminder you need to keep up with visits.
It Isn’t Thorough Enough
First, your dental hygiene’s main goal is to keep your smile clean. This means removing the remnants of food that you eat through the day. It also, of course, means ridding teeth and tissues of plaque, a very sticky substance that is both full of bacteria and that is the number one reason patients end up with periodontal problems like gingivitis as well as cavities. However, this isn’t enough. You’ll brush and remove most of the plaque but you will not ever get all of it. It’s no fault of yours, either! What remains will be some plaque and, usually, the development of some tartar. Since you can’t get rid of these with your own care, you’ll need professional care (cleanings) for the full effect.
You’ve Got Functional Concerns, Too
The part of your smile that your dental hygiene does little to nothing to protect? The part that’s all function. You can’t brush away jaw stress or bruxism, after all, so you’ll have to remember that there is more to successful care than hygiene. There’s following our suggestions for healthy habits and, of course, there’s your dedication to checkups!
Learn More About The Importance Of Cleanings During Visits
If you still feel unsure about why it’s so important to visit our practice for cleanings and checkups, all you have to do is ask! Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
