You knew regular cleanings with your dental office promote good oral hygiene, but did you know it can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That 2 o’clock chair-side rendezvous may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule! You should see your dentist at least every 6 months for a full cleaning. Your dentist can use specialized instruments and can review your dental records and health history to make specialized recommendations. Although this can be expensive, regular visits to your dentist will cost you much less than having expensive work such as crowns or root canals performed–both of which can be prevented by good oral hygiene. Your dentist can also give you special fluoride treatments, toothpaste or fluoride pills to help strengthen your teeth.

1. Helps in Preventing Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you’re screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It’s a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.
2. Fight Off Gum Disease. Gum disease, or an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check ups and daily brushing and flossing are key weapons in the fight against these conditions.
3. Goes Beyond Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to your dentist every 6 months could reduce your risk of serious health problems!
4. Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick with your cleaning schedule.
5. Detect Dental Problems Early. We’ve already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don’t overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction.
6. Know You’re Doing it Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new electric toothbrush, or aren’t keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time. You get best results when using an electric or ultrasonic toothbrush. Use a toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. Look for toothpastes that contain fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Brushing is an important step because it freshens breath and eliminates unsightly plaque (clumps of mouth bacteria). This boosts confidence and can even make you more likely to succeed in romance and in your career. Either way, check ups allow your dentist to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.
7. Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.
8. Prevent the Worst. If you’re already suffering from tooth decay or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.
9. Show Your Best. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!
10. Get Some Me Time.  The time you spend in the waiting room and chair is really your time. You can forget about the office or the stresses of family life and just relax. Read a magazine or work through a crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you’re given, rather than worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being should never take a back seat to your daily planner.

If it’s been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today!

Sources: http://www.1st-dentist.com/dentalhygiene/article146.htm

             http://www.ehow.com/facts_5163384_importance-teeth-cleaning.html

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