Why Is It Important to Have Regular Dental Cleanings?

By Tioga Dental Associates | Published on December 6, 2011 | 0 Comments

Some people will try to avoid going to the dentist at all costs, while others are diligent about following their recommended twice a year visit.  Whether you are the former or the latter, dental health is important to maintain in order to save yourself from pain or costly problems later on.  In Gainesville, FL, dentists recommend biannual cleanings and checkups for a variety of reasons that can help improve tooth and even overall health.

The dentists at Tioga Dental Associates say that the number one reason to have regular dental cleanings is to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.  These gum problems are caused by plaque which hardens and becomes calculus when allowed to stay on the teeth, and once that happens patients will not be able to remove the calculus on their own without dental tools.  Because the plaque contains bacteria which releases certain toxins, the gums will become inflamed.  Without removal, these toxins can eventually cause the gums to be destroyed and lead to bone loss around teeth, which might cause tooth loss if left untreated.  Other reasons to uphold a regular teeth cleaning schedule include:

• Chance to detect cavities early
• To prevent bad breath
• To improve and maintain overall health

You may be wondering how keeping your teeth clean can affect other systems in your body; after all, your teeth may seem like a relatively unremarkable part of your anatomy.  However, the Gainesville, FL dentists say that dental health can impact everything from your heart to your unborn child.  Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke may be linked to the type of oral bacteria that could be controlled with regular dental cleanings.  Gum disease can also affect your pregnancy since it has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight; and people with diabetes who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more frequent and severe infections of the gums, causing them to lose more teeth than those who have their blood sugar under control.

Once you realize that twice-a-year dental cleanings are important for maintaining overall health, you will probably need to find a Gainesville, FL dentist that can take care of your needs.  The professionals at Tioga Dental Associates say that a reputable dentist should be one that understands you as a patient while providing good dental health.  Your dentist in Gainesville, FL should listen to your concerns and be able to inform you of all your options before performing any sort of procedure.  He or she should also be up to date on their continuing education so that patients can be assured that they are getting the best treatment currently available.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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