Unless something is wrong with your teeth or you have a particular medical treatment, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people visit their general dentist every six months. While we recognize that it can be challenging to fit a dentist appointment in an already jam-packed schedule, maintaining oral health is crucial for staying healthy. If it’s been over six months since your last dentist’s appointment, it’s time to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment, and here’s why: 

1. You want to maintain excellent overall health.

Since the 19th century, doctors have believed that oral bacteria contributes to diseases throughout the body. Doctors have discovered that there is an association between periodontal diseases and:

• Cardiovascular health
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Pneumonia
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes

What is the link between the mouth and systemic diseases? Many medical professionals hypothesize that inflammation is to blame. Oral health is indispensable to general wellness, and you cannot be well without managing oral health. Regular dental exams and cleanings help manage disease not only in the mouth but in other bodily systems too.

2. You want to avoid cavities.

One reason why dentists recommend a dental cleaning and exam every six months is that this is around the time that it takes cavities to develop. If a dentist catches the development of tooth decay before it gets too severe, it can be treated early with a filling. However, if the cavity gets too significant or widespread, a root canal or worse may be required.

3. You want to prevent periodontal (gum) disease.

Did you know that nearly half of adults aged 30 or older have some form of gum disease? Prevalence only increases with age. Even though periodontal disease is common, the early stages often go unnoticed. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and other conditions. Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable with routine dental visits. 

4. You need to freshen your breath.

Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, can be caused by a diet of pungent foods, specific health conditions, or certain medications with side effects of dry mouth. Another common culprit of bad breath is bacteria trapped between teeth and gums, particularly tartar accumulation. After a dental hygienist carefully removes tartar, the breath should smell fresh again.

5. You want to save money in the long run.

By monitoring oral health, it’s more likely that patients can prevent developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health diseases. By preventing or managing the early oral health conditions, the need for more expensive and extensive dental treatments (such as tooth extraction, root canal, or gum surgery) is not likely needed. The wisest way to avoid costly treatments later is to invest in your smile now by attending routine dental cleaning and exams every six months. Dental cleaning sessions are relatively affordable, and most insurance plans cover the cost of two annually.

Ready to Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning?

Preventative dentistry can go a long way toward saving you from going through discomfort, disease, and expensive procedures. At the Chisholm Trail Smile Center, our team of dental hygienists practices gentle dental cleanings and exams to preserve the integrity of teeth and gums. Schedule a dental cleaning appointment in Duncan, OK, by calling 580-255-4880 or sending us a message online.