Seeing your dentist regularly is important for many different reasons. Dental cleanings keep your teeth clean and healthy, but they can also help prevent gum disease. Read on to learn how regular cleanings help with the prevention of gingivitis.
Your Teeth Need More Than Brushing and Flossing Alone
While you should always brush twice a day and floss daily, you should also see your dentist every six months. At each of these appointments, you’ll receive a complete dental cleaning. Your hygienist will use specialized tools and expert techniques to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly. A dental cleaning is not like the brushing you do at home. Hygienists are trained to carefully remove all the built-up plaque and tartar on your teeth. These cleanings can even reduce some stains.
How Regular Cleanings Prevent Gingivitis
Gum disease is caused by poor dental hygiene. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and presents as red, inflamed, and painful gums. If you have gingivitis, your gums may bleed while you’re brushing your teeth. While gingivitis is treatable, it can get serious very quickly if you don’t see a dentist right away. Keeping up with your regular cleanings is an excellent way to avoid this.
A toothbrush alone cannot remove all of the calculus and tartar that can cause gingivitis. The tools used during a dental cleaning will help to clean what’s left over from even extensive at-home care. It’s also an opportunity to spot any of the early stages of gum disease so that it can be treated before it gets worse. For your gums to heal, your dentist will have to remove all the harmful bacteria from your mouth.
Can you not remember the last time you had a dental cleaning? Make an appointment with Dr. Zola Makrauer or Dr. Julie Miller at Huntington Valley Dental Arts as soon as possible. Give us a call today!