If you thought routine dental cleaning offers only aesthetic benefits, the fact is that its advantages far exceed that. It is not only imperative for your oral health but also ensures your overall wellbeing.
Before we get into the many benefits of professional dental cleaning let us first look at what really does dental cleaning entail.
What is dental cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning helps you to get rid of the plaque & tartar build up on your teeth as well as under the gum line. This non-surgical procedure can go a long way in reducing your chance of cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. In addition, the cleaning procedure gives the dental hygienist the chance to look for any signs of tooth decay as well as any other oral health conditions including oral cancer.
Benefits of professional dental cleaning
Health Benefits of Dental Cleaning
While the health benefits of dental cleaning begin with oral health, they transcend oral health benefits alone as periodontal disease has been associated with a number of other health conditions. Here is a quick look at the overall benefits of dental cleaning:
Oral health benefits
Dental cleaning goes a long way in preventing gum disease, which is often caused by the build up of plaque on the teeth. The plaque in turn is a blend of food & bacteria & needs to be cleaned away to maintain overall gum health.
Another issue with plaque accumulation is also that of bad breath or what is known as halitosis, medically. Dental cleaning ensures that your oral cavity is kept healthy as well as odor free.
Over time, teeth can also get heavily stained especially if you consume beverages such as wine, coffee & tea. Stained teeth not only look bad they can also severely affect your confidence levels. Routine dental cleanings ensure that your teeth look good & stain free.
Another great reason to get a professional dental cleaning is to protect the teeth from cavities. While daily oral hygiene is important to keep cavities at bay, professional dental cleanings every 6 months also have a strong role to play. Additionally, fluoride can be applied during a dental cleaning, which helps re-mineralize the enamel. In turn this results in fewer cavities.
Clearly then, the lack of dental cleaning can put you at risk of a whole range of oral diseases. Also routine examinations that typically happen with dental cleaning ensure that you are screened for any oral diseases including oral cancer.
Besides causing oral diseases, the bacteria in the mouth can also reach other organs through the bloodstream. With there being a strong link between oral & systemic health, dental cleaning also protects you from the following diseases:
Heart Attack or Stroke
When bacteria from your mouth enters your bloodstream, a potent fear is that of a heart attack or a stroke.
Dental cleaning is known to reduced inflammation caused by bacteria as also to improve blood vessel functioning that promotes the flow of blood throughout your body.
Pneumonia
With the possibility of bacteria in your mouth also entering your lungs, you could be at risk for pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Premature Birth
Gum disease in expectant mothers is known to increase the risk of premature birth as also the propensity of low birth weight. A dental checkup before you plan a pregnancy is therefore ideal.
Besides this, there are a number of health conditions that can impact your oral health. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to take care of your tooth & gum health, and regular dental cleaning can play a strong part in this upkeep.
Conditions that can impact your oral health include:
Diabetes
Serious gum disease is known to increase the risk of a person developing diabetes. On the other hand, people living with diabetes are prone to gum disease. Teeth cleaning can go a long way in keeping gum disease under check.
Dementia
Bodily inflammation is known to impact on the rate of dementia & mental decline. With periodontal bacteria, the inflammation in a dementia patient’s body can increase. On the other hand, maintaining dental health wellness can ensure that the rate of dementia isn’t exacerbated.
HIV/AIDS
With oral issues being common in people having HIV/AIDS, it is important that you pay attention to your oral health if you are suffering from this disease.
How often are dental cleanings necessary?
While it really depends on each person’s individual oral needs with some people being more prone to having dental issues, typically a professional cleaning is advised once every six months.
What to do in between dental cleanings?
There is no substitute for maintaining good oral hygiene at all times. Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush & a fluoride toothpaste is key. Flossing teeth daily is also extremely important. Additionally, the use of a medicated mouthwash can help bad bacteria at bay.
To sum up
With your oral and general health being linked to each other, it is imperative that you take care of your oral health to enjoy overall wellbeing. Professional dental cleanings are an easy, method that help you flash those pearly whites with confidence as well as maintain good overall health.
At Dental Oasis Family Dentistry, we offer regular dental care services to address short and long-term needs and get you onto the path of improved oral care. Schedule your appointment with us and smile on your way to good oral health! You can also reach us via email at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or call us at (925) 846-4491.