With the year quickly coming to a close, it’s a good time to schedule an annual checkup and a cleaning with a Carlsbad dentist if you haven’t yet. The good news is that many insurance companies cover basic cleaning and X-rays since they’re valuable preventive services. These are a few top reasons why it’s important to schedule an annual cleaning.
Reduce Cavity Risks
Removing plaque and tartar from your teeth can help reduce cavity risks. Although brushing and flossing also help reduce risks, most people still have some plaque and tartar on their teeth. Dentists remove all the harmful residue during a cleaning. If the hard-to-reach residue is instead left to build up for long periods, you’re more likely to develop cavities. The longer you wait to get cavities filled, the more they grow. If you wait too long, you may need more aggressive and expensive treatment to save the decaying tooth.
Reduce Gum Disease Risks
Plaque that builds up on your teeth harbors bacteria. As you learned in the previous point, an annual cleaning is important for removing hard-to-reach plaque deposits. Another danger of plaque is gum inflammation, which is called gingivitis. When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can eventually turn into advanced gum disease or periodontitis. Not all gingivitis turns into periodontitis if it is treated promptly.
If you develop gingivitis, it’s usually easy to treat by maintaining the cleaning schedule your dentist recommends and practicing good home oral care. Recommended cleaning schedules can vary based on oral health. For instance, a dentist in Encinitas may recommend that a person with mild gingivitis schedule biannual cleanings. However, the dentist may recommend three to four cleanings per year for someone who has gum disease or has multiple risk factors for developing periodontal disease.
Detect Problems Earlier
Dentists can often tell a lot of things about people by examining their mouths. For example, someone with a kidney condition may have an ammonia-like smell on their breath, and someone with high blood sugar may have a sweet or fruity smell. In addition to potentially noticing signs of diabetes or kidney problems, dentists may detect early signs of heart disease or oral cancer. Dentists will refer you to a primary care doctor if they find any concerning issues.
Looking for a Dentist in Del Mar, Encinitas or Carlsbad?
Those are just a few of the key reasons why you shouldn’t skip your biannual dental cleaning. You can also explore whitening and other cosmetic procedures that you may be considering to enhance your smile. Solana Family Dental provides cleanings and preventative care, treatment for periodontal disease, cosmetic procedures and more. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment with a Carlsbad dentist, a dentist in Encinitas or a dentist in Del Mar, please contact us.
