When money is tight and time sometimes feels even tighter, it’s easy to think that you might not need your teeth cleaned regularly after all. However, this kind of thinking is dangerous and can land you in a lot of pain – not to mention financial hot water – if you let dental issues worsen. No matter how old you are, regular dental visits and teeth cleanings at a family dental office in Greenville, SC can help maintain your dental health and save you money over all.
The Basics
The American Dental Association recommends that you get your teeth cleaned every six months. You may think you’re getting your teeth clean enough by brushing and flossing at home, but no matter how meticulous you are, you’ll undoubtedly slowly build up tartar on your teeth. This buildup can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone.
It takes a dental technique called scaling (which is basically scraping off buildup) to remove it. Regular dental visits are important if you want to maintain healthy, white teeth, as a dental hygienist will be able to remove stains on the teeth’s surface. Tooth staining can happen when you frequently drink coffee, tea, or other darkly colored beverages. However, if you wait too long, staining can go deeper than the surface where it is difficult or impossible to remove. In addition to scaling and flossing your teeth, your dentist or dental hygienist will also check your teeth for cavities and other irregularities.
Potential Dental Dangers
One of the main reasons regular cleaning is important is the fact that it makes it easier to catch problems early. For instance, your dentist may notice “skid marks” on your teeth that mean you grind them at night. When this is caught early, your trusted family dentistry practitioner in Greenville, SC can make a nightguard for your teeth. This protects them from further damage due to grinding. However, long-term grinding exposes enamel and can leave you vulnerable to cavities.
Regular visits can also help your dentist to catch cavities early. If you wait too long, cavities will progress, sometimes decaying the tooth to the point that it needs a root canal or has to be extracted entirely. In short, the best way to protect your teeth and your wallet is to use preventative care to your benefit. Get your teeth cleaned regularly, and you’ll keep them and the rest of your mouth healthy for years to come.
Sources:
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits, OralB.com
Regular Dental Visits – Why Are They Important?, DentalCare.com