Why Shouldn’t I Skip Out On My Yearly Dental Cleaning?

Dentists fully acknowledge that the thought of going in for a teeth cleaning, just really isn’t all that much fun. However, dentists strongly encourage people not to skip out on their yearly (or semi-yearly) cleaning. Having a healthy mouth is a big component of your overall well-being. Unfortunately, many people may put off going to a dentist in Cary, North Carolina for many, many years because they underestimate the impact that healthy oral hygiene can have on the rest of your body. While going to the dentist may not always be convenient, the benefits far outweigh any excuse that you can think of. 

But can’t I just clean my teeth every day and be just fine?

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily can help fight off bacteria and cavities. But, this just isn’t enough to totally prevent tooth decay. During cleanings, your dentist can do a brief exam to check for signs of tooth decay before it can worsen. If your dentist does find any signs that tooth decay is present, then he or she can talk with you about it and potential remedies to fix it. By holding off on treating tooth decay problem, it can only get more severe and costly later on down the line.  

What if my teeth aren’t as bright as they used to be? 

People who drink sodas, wine, coffee, and tea on a regular basis may start to notice their smile isn’t as bright as it once was before. The food and liquids that we ingest daily can contribute to teeth surface stains. With brushing, you are cleaning your teeth but not necessarily removing these persistent stains. When you go in for a cleaning with your dentist, these stains can be removed with the use of their tools. 

What is the biggest risk of not going to the dentist regularly?

There are several risks in not going in for a dental cleaning and exam on a routine basis, including developing cavities, gum disease, receding gum lines, plaque, tartar, bad breath, and more. But, perhaps the biggest risk of not getting your teeth cleaned is not having a professional to examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer. During your appointment, the dental hygienist or dentist will inspect your mouth, gums, and teeth for any irregularities such as ulcerated, red, or swollen areas. 

I struggle with bad breath, could it be from not seeing my dentist?

Those who struggle with maintaining fresh breath can probably blame bacteria, plaque, and tartar that build up in our mouths. Since most of us don’t have access to professional dental tools, we cannot remove every little bit of food particles, which then builds up over time. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using mouthwash, and rinsing our mouth out after eating, may still not be enough to combat bad breath from developing in the long run. The truth is there are just places we can’t reach. Bacteria that have been sitting in your mouth for too long in hard to clean places, could be causing your bad breath. By going in for a semi-annual cleaning, your dental hygienist can clean in those tricky places that your standard toothbrush and floss can’t. 

Thanks to Alliance Dentistry for their insight into dentistry and why to get regular cleanings.