Regular Dental Cleanings: Why You Need Them

Let’s face it. Going to the dentist isn’t always a ‘fun’ experience. No one likes to have their teeth scraped with metal tools, pay unexpected bills, or learn they have a cavity. Many people just skip the dentist. In fact, over 35% of U.S. adults don’t attend regular dentist appointments. 1 in 4 individuals skip regular dental cleanings altogether. Avoiding appointments ultimately compounds costs and causes plaque buildup, making costs, comfort, and scheduling much harder when you finally go. 

In this article, we’ll look at the types of different cleanings, what causes teeth to need cleanings, how regular cleanings can prevent damage, save time, money, and comfort, and provide practical tips on protecting your teeth. Attending regular dental cleanings and taking care of your teeth in the meantime is the best way to avoid dental pain and save both your oral health and your wallet.  

Regular and Deep Cleanings: What’s the Difference?  

With so many technical terms out there, it’s important to clarify the difference between cleaning procedures. Regular dental cleanings are meant for healthy gums and focus on removing plaque and light tartar buildup. Regular cleanings should occur every 6 months, and last about 30-60 minutes. Deep cleanings are different because they are longer, more extensive, and are usually recommended to people with problematic, infected gums. Deep cleanings are also known as scaling and root planing.

This focuses on infected gums and plaque below the gumline. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, gum pockets, or signs of bone loss, deep cleanings might help you. Deep cleanings bridge the gap between regular cleanings and invasive surgeries. They can last a few hours or cover multiple sessions and typically require anesthesia and a dentist’s recommendation. Deep cleanings are not meant for cosmetic or routine purposes, but with the objective of preventing irreversible damage.  

The Oral Reset: Putting Cleanings on the Schedule  

Have you ever wondered about the importance of your dentist cleaning your teeth when you can brush on your own? Plaque and tartar buildup pose a threat to oral health if not completely and regularly removed. Plaque forms when food is not adequately removed from the teeth. It emerges as a colorless, fuzzy film consisting of microorganisms, food particles, and saliva. Since plaque is continually forming on the teeth, it is essential to brush twice a day. 

Unfortunately, once plaque becomes tartar, brushing or flossing won’t be able to remove it. Only dentists are able to remove tartar. Despite being colorless, plaque can cause teeth discoloration, often taking on the color of the consumed food or drink. Plaque and tartar buildup are what lead to gum disease and dental caries. If you seldom visit the dentist for your regular dental cleanings, the likelihood of dental caries is high.  

How Regular Dental Cleanings Protect from Further Damage  

It can be difficult to manage the microorganisms in your mouth. However, plaque management can change with a balanced diet, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits. Sugars and carbs tend to stick to teeth more often. Choosing a balanced diet and brushing well after sugary intake can protect your teeth from plaque damage. 

Without regular dental cleanings, buildup occurs. Plaque often builds up in places that aren’t seen in the mirror. This is why having a dentist or dental hygienist clean your teeth is important for preventing plaque-induced cavities. Plaque does more than sit on teeth; it actually damages the enamel. Continuous enamel damage is what causes a cavity to form. Regular dental cleanings reduce the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss because it resets plaque progression.   

Saving Time, Money, and Comfort  

Perhaps you’re wondering how visiting the dentist more frequently could save money. The reason is that most insurance policies cover what is known as preventive care. Preventive care, including regular cleanings and x-rays are almost entirely covered by insurance. This explains why fillings, root canals, and crowns are so expensive.

Most invasive dental surgeries charge out of pocket. Root canals and crowns can cost over $1000 per tooth, with dental implants being nearly twice as expensive. Research has discovered that adults save over 30% on dental costs when they attend regular cleanings. Regular dental cleanings often receive a reputation for being a painful experience. With half of Americans over 30 struggling with gum disease, it makes sense that cleanings are painful. If you maintain consistent oral hygiene habits and attend regular cleanings, you can minimize oral pain.  

Protecting Your Teeth  

Regular dental cleanings are essential in ensuring dental health. However, dental health doesn’t come without some effort of our own. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once are the minimum habits necessary for healthy teeth. Brushing after meals, especially after sticky or sugary foods, can be helpful in preventing plaque. Using toothpaste containing baking soda has been shown to remove plaque more effectively than other toothpastes. 

Electronic toothbrushes have proven to be more successful than manual brushes. If you like keeping up with style, electronic toothbrushes could be a fun way to keep your teeth a priority. Antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill plaque-causing bacteria. Choosing healthier alternatives, such as sugar-free gum, can prevent plaque buildup. The harm caused by plaque and tartar buildup is hard to fix once the damage has been done. Avoiding dental caries means preventing plaque and tartar buildup before it happens.  

Conclusion

Dental prices are on the rise. Procedures are becoming increasingly more expensive, and oral pain is becoming a bigger concern across the board. While regular dental cleanings may occasionally be uncomfortable, they reduce costs and contribute to oral health. Brushing daily to remove plaque can prevent damage to the enamel. Although it may seem financially counterintuitive to attend regular dental cleanings, pursuing preventive care is more cost-efficient than skipping regular cleanings.

With regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene, invasive and expensive procedures can be largely avoided. Stay on top of your dental hygiene to prevent plaque buildup and cavity formation. Don’t let a busy schedule or money concerns keep you from visiting the dentist! Get your regular cleanings scheduled today at New Beginnings Dentistry and protect your oral health!