Whether we’d like to admit it or not, a lot of us only visit the dentist whenever we remember. It is often not a priority of ours, and we all think to ourselves that our teeth are still clean and as healthy as they can be. However, that is not the case. We need to go to dental cleanings more often than just whenever we remember.

Why Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?

We need to visit the dentist on a semi-regular basis to eliminate the tartar and plaque build-up that occurs on our teeth. Without regular check-ups, we are at risk of developing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. These can lead to us having our teeth taken out completely, which can be challenging to get used to. It’s also a lot of dental work that we don’t want to go through.

Teeth are an important part of our bodies and our health in general. They are the tools we use for biting, chewing, and speech. And when they’re not in their best condition, they can affect our overall health and function.

How Often Should We Get Dental Cleanings?

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone should be getting a dental cleaning at least twice a year. However, if you have other health conditions where your teeth are being impacted, you may need more dental cleanings.

For example, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. In addition to visiting the dentist more often, people with diabetes should be more vigilant with brushing and flossing their teeth. 

If we don’t attend annual dental cleanings, we are at risk of developing periodontal disease. This disease results in the bone and tissue around our teeth being destroyed. If we don’t get treated for periodontal disease, people may need their teeth removed altogether. This is not a good thing, and we want to avoid this at all costs.

Another thing that can happen is developing cavities, which can turn into a pretty painful and expensive situation. Even though we may have the money to pay for our dental work, many people are not okay with the dental work involved. Therefore, the best way to avoid needing a lot of dental work is to attend regular dental cleanings.

How to Care for Teeth in Between Cleanings

The best way to take care of our teeth between dental cleanings is to floss, brush, and rinse our mouths thoroughly. Be sure to be gentle while doing so, especially when brushing and flossing. We don’t want to brush and floss our teeth aggressively, as this is not good for them.

We also need to ensure that we get regular dental exams and x-rays. This way, we can look for any signs of cavities and other dental health issues. By eating a healthy diet, we can help ensure that our teeth are as healthy as they can be.

Conclusion

One of the best things we can do to care for our teeth is to attend regular dental cleanings. We can take care of ourselves and help prevent any dental health issues from arising. 

If you are looking for a dental office in Bethesda, you can visit Pike District Smiles. We offer comprehensive dental checkups as well as cosmetic dental procedures. We also service other areas including Rockville, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg, and Potomac. Just get in touch with us to book an appointment.