Know the Limitations of Regular Dental Cleanings
San Antonio, TX

You might spend hours cleaning your teeth every day. Buy the premium toothbrushes that promise to help you get rid of 99% of oral bacteria or flossers that guarantee to remove food particles from every inch of your mouth. But are they enough? Studies show that more than 3.5 billion people all over the globe struggle with some sort of oral disease. Many of them never skip routine brushing and flossing. Then where does the gap lie? 

The Gaps in At-Home Oral Care

Regular oral hygiene practices are not enough to remove 100% of the mouth bacteria from hidden areas. Brushing and flossing remove visible surfaces but leave behind plaque between teeth and under the gumline. As plaque hardens over time into tartar, brushing fails to remove it alone. Years of research reveal that nearly 50% of people over 30 have some degree of gum disease due to plaque buildup. 

Sounds terrifying? Worry not! Periodic visits to a San Antonio Dentist for professional teeth cleaning helps you remove deep plaque and tartar that make gums healthy and protect teeth from long-term damage. Skipping monthly visits to your dental professional might lead to a higher risk of cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.

The Role of Professional Teeth Cleaning

Dentists use dental tools to clean deeply between the teeth and along the gumline to draw out plaque and tartar that routine cleaning fails to remove. A San Antonio dentist can even spot early signs of dental problems like oral cancer, gum inflammation, infection, and cavities during professional dental cleaning sessions. It saves you from painful and expensive oral treatments down the road. Regular dental visits not only ensure proper oral health but also decrease the likelihood of developing systemic health issues associated with gum disease, like heart disease and diabetes.

Why Skipping Professional Cleanings Can Be Risky?

Without regular dental checkups, tartar builds up at an exponential rate. This raises the risk of gum recession, which leaves tooth roots vulnerable to decay. Severe gum disease like gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and necessitate invasive treatments like dental implants or root canal therapy. All these costly oral treatments take a long time to heal and might cause you a longer downtime. Research shows that individuals who avoid dental checkups are twice as likely to have severe oral health problems compared to those who get their teeth cleaned by professionals regularly.

How Often Should You Schedule Professional Cleanings?

Dentists advise professional dental cleanings every six months, although some individuals need to be seen more often depending on their oral health. Individuals with a history of gum disease, heavy tartar deposits, or other oral issues may need cleanings every three or four months. 

Home oral hygiene is essential in keeping teeth healthy, but it is imperfect. Professional cleanings every few months dislodge persistent plaque and tartar, minimizing the development of cavities, gum disease, and other issues. Making regular dental visits a priority is the key to lifelong oral health and overall health. In need of a good San Antonio dentist? Book your next cleaning appointment today!