Preventative dental care, such as X-rays, dental exams, and regular dental cleanings, prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can eventually affect your overall health. Despite this, as many as 19% of American adults didn’t receive dental treatment in 2023.
Keep reading to learn why routine dental checkups and dental cleanings are so important.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings from a dental hygienist are crucial to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Routine dental cleanings are essential because brushing and flossing alone do not eliminate cavities caused by plaque, tartar, and bacteria-filled biofilm that build up on the teeth. This buildup can only be safely removed by a professional dental hygienist.
Routine dental cleanings from a professional dental hygienist provide the following benefits:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, plaque is a sticky substance produced when the sugars and starches from our food combine with bacteria in our mouths. While regular brushing, flossing, and other good oral health habits prevent and delay plaque buildup, it is impossible to completely eliminate it without dental cleanings. When not cleaned off by a dental hygienist, plaque can harden into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, plaque increases your risk of gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease). When plaque hardens into tartar, this tartar can get under the gum line, which allows even more plaque and the associated bacteria to get into those areas. Gingivitis causes discomfort and inflammation in the gums, leading to pockets forming between the teeth. These pockets and the associated gum loss make it easier for bacteria to enter deeper into your gums, the surrounding tissues, and even your jawbone.
Regular dental cleanings allow your dental hygienist to assess whether you would be a good candidate for other preventative dental care measures, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments. They also give you a chance to discuss health-related and lifestyle factors that could be contributing to oral health problems.
Preventative dental care tends to cost significantly less than restorative treatments, such as fillings, root canals, bridges, dental implants, or porcelain veneers.
At routine dental cleaning appointments (also referred to as dental prophylaxis), you can expect the following:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some patients may require more extensive dental cleanings, such as:
Most people should get a dental cleaning every six months. However, those with underlying dental issues, such as gum disease, may need more frequent cleanings. It’s best to follow your dentist’s recommendation for how often you should come for cleanings.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), regularly getting dental examinations is the best way to detect problems early when they are the easiest and most affordable to treat. Routine dental exams and cleanings allow you to identify and attend to dental concerns before these issues escalate.
It’s important to see the dentist regularly so they can detect problems before they start to cause you discomfort and inconvenience. Even without symptoms, you can experience dental issues, such as tooth decay (cavities), that will get worse without treatment.
When looking for a dentist, it’s best to look for a dental office that will meet your personal needs. Here are some things to consider when trying to find the right dentist for you:
At URBN Dental, you will find expertly trained dentists, specialists, and dental hygienists committed to exceptional care. As one of the most highly rated dental offices in Houston, Texas, you can expect:
Multiple convenient locations surrounding Houston, Texas
Yes. The majority of dental insurance plans cover preventative dental coverage, such as cleanings.
If you don’t have dental insurance, discuss financing options with your dental office before booking an appointment. URBN Dental accepts most PPO insurance and has financing options available to assist those who may be uninsured or those who may need to supplement their coverage.
Routine dental cleanings should be completely painless. However, those with gum disease or an underlying infection may experience some discomfort.
Brushing and flossing before your appointment is appreciated to give your dental team a clean work area. Other than that, simply bring your medical information and any questions/concerns you may have, and try to relax.
Routine dental cleanings are vital to maintaining good oral and overall health. Whether you’re looking for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, or restorative dental implants, URBN Dental can help you find the right treatment plan.
Dental Cleaning. (2023).
Dental Plaque. (2023).
How many people skip medical treatment due to healthcare costs? (2024).
Periodontitis. (2023).
Teeth Sensitivity. (2022).
What Happens at a Dental Prophylaxis Appointment? (2023).
Your Top 9 Questions About Going to the Dentist — Answered! (n.d.).
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