Why Dental Cleanings Are Essential

Shawn Kimmel • December 30, 2021

You might be thinking to yourself: why are dental cleanings essential, anyway? If so, read on to learn more about it now.

A quarter of healthy adults have untreated dental issues that could become serious if left untreated.

You might think that dental cleanings are a cosmetic thing. But they're not. They're an essential part of your dental health, and regular cleanings can work wonders in more ways than one.

The Procedure Itself

A dental cleaning is a quick, in-and-out medical procedure. Usually, they take up to half an hour.

During a visit, your dentist in Jensen Beach, FL, will first examine your teeth for plaque, tartar, and signs of more serious mouth illnesses.

After they've concluded their examination, they will remove any tartar (which can't be done at home) using a technique called "scaling." Then an assistant will polish your smile to a bright sheen with a special paste and tool.

A Brighter and Whiter Smile

People with a winning smile are always easy to be around. And smiling regularly has proven health benefits. Smiling regularly reduces stress and improves your mood - and the demeanor of those around you.

Getting regular dental cleanings is all about maintaining your smile.

Regular cleanings are a painless, easy procedure that eliminate plaque and tartar buildup. They're fast, too.

And even better, cleanings are usually covered by your dental plan.

Proactive Dentistry

The importance of dental cleanings can't be overstated.

It's not all about vanity. Many of us might groan and drag our heels about dental visits, but a dental cleaning is a great time for your dentist to get a closer look at your teeth.

Just like a medical checkup with your physician, your dentist will have a chance to identify problems early. In doing so, they will be able to assess your tooth and gum health.

You're more likely to prevent gum disease and cavities. And none of those are issues to be taken lightly.

Gum disease is serious.

Plaque that starts on the teeth eventually infects the teeth themselves, which results in tooth loss if left untreated for too long.

Freshen Your Breath

Bad breath is off putting, to say the least. And because it's coming from your mouth, it can be tricky to know you have it, let alone get rid of it.

It's a lesser-known benefit of dental cleanings, but dental cleanings can help with halitosis. Remember that your dentist is a professional - and they'll tell you how you can mitigate the problems you're having.

Dental Cleanings Save Money in the Long Term

Fillings, dentures, and other dental implants are a lot more expensive than prevention. One of the core benefits of dental cleanings is that they will save you money in the long term.

It's true even if your insurance plan doesn't cover cleanings.

As we mentioned above, it's a great chance for your dentist to identify problems further down the road, and that means you're keeping money in your pocket for expensive treatments.