Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers: Which is the Better Solution?
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How Regular Dental Cleanings Can Improve Your Oral Health
Even when you practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis, professional dental cleanings play a crucial role in your oral health. These visits should occur every 6-12 months, and they typically include:
- Visual exam of your teeth, tongue, and gums
- X-rays to look for underlying conditions
- A comprehensive teeth cleaning
At Smile Boutique in Mount Vernon, New York, Dr. Wayne Hofflich uses these appointments to perform preventive care and address any problems early, such as cavities that are beginning to form. Here are just a few of the ways a professional dental cleaning can improve your oral health.
Protects your teeth from decay
One of the most important parts of a dental cleaning is removing the film that can build up on your teeth. This acidic substance, known as plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay, but it isn’t always visible to the naked eye. When it hangs around on your teeth, plaque can damage your tooth enamel, which increases your chances of developing cavities.
Reduces your risk of tooth loss
If plaque builds up under your gumline and on your teeth, it puts you at risk of developing gum disease. Nearly half of Americans 30 and older live with gum disease. This serious condition describes an infection in the soft tissues of your mouth. Over time, it can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to tooth loss. An estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 30% of people between ages 65-74 have no natural teeth remaining at all.
Brightens your smile and freshens your breath
No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth, food particles and plaque can hide between your teeth. Plus, regularly consuming certain items — like coffee, tea, and red wine — can lead to staining you can’t remove with a toothbrush alone. By having regular professional cleanings, we not only remove these troublesome stains, but we can eliminate hidden particles in your mouth that can lead to persistent bad breath.
Improves your overall health
If you still need a reason to schedule your dental cleaning, do it for your overall health. Oral health and overall health may not seem related, but they are. You can lower your chances of developing certain diseases — like heart disease and stroke — by maintaining your oral health. That’s because the bacteria and inflammation in your mouth doesn’t stay there. Instead, it enters your bloodstream, lowering your body’s resistance to infection and putting your health at risk.
Medical conditions that may be linked to poor oral health include, but aren’t limited to:
- Endocarditis (heart infection)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Complications during pregnancy
- Pneumonia and other respiratory diseases
Your oral health can be adversely affected by some medical conditions, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information on how regular dental cleanings can improve your oral health, contact Dr. Wayne Hofflich at Smile Boutique ASAP to make an appointment. You can give us a call at 914-664-7400, or you can book your consultation online.
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