Why Professional Teeth Cleaning At The Dentist Is Important

Like any machine, the human body eventually wears out. To prevent major injuries and chronic conditions, regular maintenance is required. This maintenance may take the form of exercise, healthy eating, or visits to the doctor or dentist. But no matter how meticulous we may be, we cannot fight Father Time forever.

Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia are probably the most serious diseases elderly Americans face. Most of the aforementioned are unavoidable and are simply the result of getting older. But when it comes to oral health, problems almost always arise because of neglect or poor nutrition.

Dental Decay

About one-quarter of adults over the age of 60 no longer have any natural teeth. Most of these edentulous individuals lost their pearly whites because of tooth decay (cavities) or periodontal (gum) disease. They must then purchase a pair of false teeth or dentures if they want to eat anything other than soft foods for the rest of their lives.

As you might expect, fake teeth are not nearly as efficient as natural ones. They can also cause gum irritation and must be taken out, cleaned, and replaced at least once a day. The good news is that your oral health can be greatly improved at almost any age. As long as you brush, floss, and receive professional cleanings on a regular basis, your teeth should remain firmly in place.

Benefits Of Regular Cleanings

In addition to giving you a gleaming smile, a dentist or dental hygienist can remove any excess plaque or tartar, which are the primary causes of gum disease. What are they? Plaque is a sticky film deposit that is composed of saliva, food particles, and bacteria. In its early stages, it may cause only minor gum irritation. But when it hardens, it becomes tartar: a far more insidious disease that contributes to tooth decay and gum recession.

If left untreated, tartar deposits often result in tooth loss, since they cannot be removed by normal methods. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing will not eliminate these hardened, calcified deposits. They must be treated by a dentist or hygienist with dental prophylaxis, i.e., professional cleaning. When completed as needed, cleaning should remove any sticky areas that accumulate along your gum line, thereby preventing harmful bacteria from gaining a foothold.

Stopping Periodontal Disease

Every mammalian mouth contains bacteria that can cause oral issues when it is allowed to accumulate along the gum line. These deposits can cause serious damage to teeth, their roots, and to the jawbone itself. There is even a chance that gum disease could kill you. That’s right! When bacterium makes its way down to the tooth’s root, it may then enter the bloodstream. This plaque may then cause serious problems for people who suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. It may even cause a fatal heart attack or stroke!

To think that all of these unpalatable outcomes could be prevented by a visit to your local dentist might seem absurd, but it happens to be the truth. Removing plaque and tartar buildup will improve your overall oral health and protect your teeth from harmful bacteria. So why don’t you contact your dentist and schedule your next cleaning ASAP? Trust us; your teeth with thank you for it someday!