Are you someone who dreads going to the dentist? Do you try to avoid it at all costs, only making an appointment when something is wrong with your teeth or gums? If so, we have some surprising news for you: regular dental cleanings can actually offer a host of unexpected health benefits beyond just keeping your smile looking its best. From reducing inflammation throughout the body to warding off serious illnesses like heart disease and dementia, read on to discover why scheduling those twice-yearly appointments might be more important than you ever imagined.
What are the Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings?
Most people are aware that regular dental cleanings and checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. However, what many people don’t realize is that there are numerous other benefits to having regular dental cleanings, including improved overall health. Here are just a few of the surprising benefits of regular dental cleanings:
1. Lower risk of heart disease – Studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. By keeping your gums healthy through regular dental cleanings, you can help lower your risk of developing heart disease.
2. Lower risk of stroke – Gum disease has also been linked to an increased risk of stroke. Therefore, by keeping your gums healthy, you can also help reduce your risk of suffering a stroke.
3. Lower risk of respiratory infections – If you suffer from gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, leading to respiratory infections. Therefore, by keeping your gums healthy through regular dental cleanings, you can help reduce your risk of respiratory infections.
4. Improved mental health – Studies have shown that there is a link between oral health and mental health. Therefore, by keeping your teeth and gums healthy through regular dental cleanings, you can help improve your mental health overall.
How to Find a Good Dentist for Regular Dental Cleanings
When it comes to finding a good dentist, you want someone who is gentle, has a lot of experience, and who will take the time to educate you about your oral health. A good dentist will also be able to answer any questions you have about your teeth or gums. Here are a few tips on how to find a good dentist:
1. Ask around for recommendations. Talk to your friends, family, or co-workers and see if they have any recommendations for a good dentist.
2. Check online reviews. There are many websites where you can read reviews of dentists in your area. Read both the positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded idea of each dentist.
3. Schedule a consultation appointment. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule a consultation appointment with each dentist. This will give you an opportunity to meet the dentist and ask any questions you may have.
4. Choose the right fit for you. Ultimately, choosing the right dentist comes down to personal preference. Choose the dentist that you feel most comfortable with and who you believe will best meet your needs.
What Happens in a Routine Teeth Cleaning?
A routine teeth cleaning is more than just a way to keep your smile looking its best. In fact, there are many surprising health benefits that come along with regular dental cleanings. Here are just a few of the ways that this simple procedure can improve your overall health:
1. Teeth cleanings can help prevent heart disease.
Did you know that the bacteria that cause gum disease can actually enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development of heart disease? By getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis, you can help reduce your risk for this serious condition.
2. Teeth cleanings can help prevent stroke.
Like heart disease, stroke is also associated with gum disease bacteria. Therefore, by keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you can help reduce your risk for stroke as well.
3. Teeth cleanings can help prevent dementia.
Recent studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and dementia. Once again, this is thought to be due to the bacteria involved in gum disease entering the bloodstream and causing inflammation in the brain. Therefore, keeping your teeth and gums healthy with regular cleanings may help reduce your risk for dementia later in life.
Source: Insider
Dietary Habits and Oral Hygiene Tips to Maintain Healthy Teeth
Regular dental cleanings and checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. However, what you eat and drink can also impact your teeth. Here are some dietary habits and oral hygiene tips to help keep your teeth healthy:
1. Avoid sugary and acidic foods. Sugar can contribute to tooth decay, while acid can erode tooth enamel.
2. Limit your intake of caffeine. Coffee, tea, and soda can all stain teeth.
3. Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and other oral health problems.
4. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Brushing removes plaque from teeth, while flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
5. See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. These professional cleanings can remove tartar buildup that brushing alone cannot remove.
Common Procedures Done During a Dental Checkup
Regular dental cleaning is more than just a teeth whitening treatment. In fact, there are many common procedures done during a dental checkup that can have surprising health benefits. Here are some of the most common procedures done during a dental checkup:
1. X-rays: X-rays are often taken at dental checkups to look for any hidden problems with your teeth or gums. X-rays can help detect cavities, gum disease, and even tumors.
2. Cleaning: A professional cleaning at the dentist can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that you may not be able to remove at home. This can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
3. Fluoride treatment: Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities. A fluoride treatment at the dentist can help strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to decay.
4. Sealants: Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the back teeth to help prevent cavities. Sealants can often last for several years before they need to be replaced.
5. Oral cancer screening: Oral cancer screenings are often done during dental checkups. Your dentist will look for any signs of oral cancer, such as sores, lumps, or changes in color in your mouth.
Conclusion
Regular dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining your oral health, but the benefits can go beyond just a sparkling smile. Not only do regular dental cleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but they can also help reduce inflammation in the body and even improve overall cardiovascular health. With so many potential benefits to be gained from these appointments, it’s clear that regular dental cleanings should become an essential part of everyone’s healthcare routine. So make sure you schedule those check-ups with your dentist regularly – your teeth will thank you for it!
FAQs
1. How often should I get a dental cleaning?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. However, your individual needs may vary based on your oral health status. Your dentist can help you determine how often you should schedule cleanings.
2. What happens during a dental cleaning?
During a typical cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth using special instruments. They will also polish your teeth and provide fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. In some cases, X-rays may be taken to check for problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
3. Is it painful to get a dental cleaning?
No, dental cleanings are not usually painful. You may feel some pressure when the plaque and tartar are being removed from your teeth, but this is usually not uncomfortable. If you have sensitive teeth, let your dentist know so they can take extra care to avoid causing any discomfort.
4. Do I need to do anything special to prepare for a dental cleaning?
No, there is no special preparation required for most dental cleanings. Just brush and floss your teeth as normal before coming in for your appointment. If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to speak with your dentist beforehand so they can address them prior to starting the cleaning process.