When people are meeting for the first time, the first thing that they notice about the other person is their eyes. Next to that, their eyes are drawn to the teeth and lastly, to the hair. More and more people today are getting cosmetic dental work to improve the appearance of their smile. It may not seem like it, but dental cleanings are just as, if not more, important. Dental cleanings may not have much of a cosmetic affect, but they are critical in avoiding diseases related to poor dental care. Here are three key reasons why regular dental teeth cleanings are important.
Brushing Does Not Guarantee Prevention of Diseases
Regular tooth brushing is limited for the reason that it cannot get to hard-to-reach areas around teeth. Thus, dentists recommend the use of electric toothbrushes instead of non-electric ones. Apart from the hard-to-reach areas such as fissures and pits, plaque buildup can occur on the chewing surfaces of teeth. This can happen even with regular brushings.
For areas between teeth, dentists recommend the use of dental floss, and a special toothbrush called an interdental brush. In some cases, a dentist may suggest the use of oral irrigators and special toothpicks.
Inevitable Need for Tartar Removal
Even with the use of special cleaning tools, your Columbia MD dentist still wants you to make dental visits on a regular basis. This is because tartar buildup is inevitable. It is going to happen no matter what, and your dentist is the best person who can properly manage the buildup of tartar. Your dentist may recommend on one of your visits, that you need to undergo a treatment called prophylaxis, which involves the removal of tartar. Most dentists require clients visit the office once every six months for tartar removal. This procedure is known to be the very best approach to preventing gum disease and cavities.
Bad Breath
Being negligent in dental care can lead to bad breath. When people you are talking to, suddenly feel the urge to cover their mouth and nose, or they try to get a little distance from you as you talk to them, you should smell your breath. If your breath smells fowl, you could be suffering from halitosis.
Although the source of the fowl smell could be in your stomach, you should visit your dentist first. They will examine your oral cavity to determine if the fowl odor is coming from a tooth that is decaying, or an unusual accumulation of plaque, or from some other dental problem. Your dentist can then conduct a dental cleaning, and see if the halitosis continues.
Provided you do not smoke, drink alcohol, or eat foul-smelling foods, and you are religious with your daily brushings, a medical treatment will not be recommended. Just let the dentist deal with the problem. After the procedure, your mouth will feel fresh, and you will feel more confident talking up close to another person.