If it’s been a year or longer since you’ve seen a dentist, chances are that plaque and tartar have had a chance to build up on the surface of your teeth and along your gums. In fact, it’s recommended to have a professional dental cleaning every 6 months! Many insurance plans cover two dental cleanings per year with no out-of-pocket cost to you, so why not take advantage of using your benefits to improve your oral health. Here are 5 reasons why you need a professional dental cleaning every 6 months.
- Daily brushing at home doesn’t substitute for a professional dental cleaning
A toothbrush simply doesn’t remove all of the plaque and tartar that a professional dental cleaning can, even if plaque buildup is not visible. Keep in mind that even the most meticulous brushing and flossing won’t remove all of the natural plaque buildup between the teeth, around the base of the teeth, and around and under the gums.
- You don’t always see buildup
Plaque is a sticky film that is not always visible to the naked eye, which eventually hardens on the surfaces of the teeth in the form of tartar (also known as calculus). Hard-to-reach areas between the teeth, tooth crevices and on the back or sides of the teeth require a professional cleaning.
- You probably aren’t brushing and flossing as well as you think
Unfortunately many people don’t practice dental care 100%. Most common dental care mistakes include skipping flossing, not brushing long enough or skipping brushing all together. Even with the best at-home dental care, professional cleanings are important for maintaining dental health.
- Tartar can only be removed professionally
Hardened tartar is often most visible around the gum line or base of the teeth, on the backs of the teeth, in the crevices between teeth, and on the front surfaces of the teeth. Once tartar has formed on the teeth a dentist must use special tools to remove the buildup. If it’s been some time since your last dental cleaning or there is a great amount of tartar buildup the dentist will likely recommend a deep cleaning.
- Dental cleaning reduces risk of dental disease and infection
Dental cleanings promote better oral health by reducing the risk of gingivitis, which is the beginning stage of gum disease. Poor oral health has been linked to many serious illnesses throughout the body. The good news is that gum disease and tooth decay are preventable with good oral care.