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The American Dental Association recommends getting a dental cleaning at least twice a year. Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, so it’s important that you visit your dentist every six months for your routine checkup and cleaning. 

During your appointment, we’ll remove any plaque buildup and tartar from your mouth to help protect you from future cavities and gum disease. The earlier we can catch and treat issues like gum disease or tooth decay, the easier it is to treat them. Early detection and treatment can save you time, money, and stress in the long run! We also offer oral cancer screenings as a part of your regular checkups so that we can help you stay protected from this serious disease. Catching it early can make all the difference, so be sure to visit our office regularly so that we can keep you healthy!

Prevent Gum Disease

One of the primary benefits of regular cleanings is the prevention of gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the US, with millions of people suffering from the advanced form of the disease known as periodontitis. While good dental hygiene habits like brushing and flossing at home go a long way toward preventing gum disease, a professional cleaning performed by an experienced dental hygienist or dentist is the only way to remove tartar from beneath the gum line.

Tartar is a hard substance that builds up on teeth over time due to plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas. When left to linger for too long, it can irritate the gums, eventually leading to inflammation and bleeding. As the infection spreads, pockets can form in the gum tissue surrounding each tooth. Bacteria can hide in these pockets and continue to cause damage even after proper home hygiene habits are resumed. Regular cleanings are the best defense against gum disease because they allow dentists to remove tartar and treat the symptoms of gingivitis at their earliest stages.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage to the teeth, leading to discomfort and pain, as well as an increased risk for systemic diseases linked to infections of the mouth. Visits to the dentist can help catch gum disease early and prevent its spread.

Prevent Tooth Decay

Whenever you go to the dentist for a cleaning, this allows them a chance to remove plaque that has built up along and under your gum line. This bacteria can cause cavities or can infect your gums and lead to gum disease. This is why it is so important that you come in every six months to protect your smile!

There are a number of ways that you can prevent tooth decay in-between visits. These include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing your mouth with water after you eat, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks. Doing so will help to reduce the bacteria in your mouth that can cause cavities. Since water does not erode the enamel on your teeth, it is a good option for rinsing after eating.

For the best dental services, everyone in the family should visit Kirby Smiles at 3695 Kirby Dr. Suite 129, Pearland 77584, or call 281-941-5488.