Keeping your regular dental hygiene appointments can be one of the best ways to avoid more costly dental care treatments. Cavities, periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) and even oral cancers can be detected in the early stages when minimal treatment often does the job to restore health.
Dental hygiene includes screenings and cleanings. Yet, people tend to put off their hygiene appointments, thinking that their home care is good, so why bother? Sure, let’s assume you brush your teeth after every meal and take good care of yourself. No gums are bleeding and nothing hurts. These are the conditions under which someone might postpone or cancel a dental hygiene appointment.
Even good home care is nowhere near the detail we put into a professional cleaning. First off, we have a much better view than you do! A professional hygiene appointment cleans in places that are very hard to find with a toothbrush and floss. Plaque buildup in places you can’t reach or don’t see can lead to gum disease, gum loss and erosion of your tooth enamel. Sodas and other high sugary items do even more damage under those conditions. This is why it’s best to keep your regular cleaning appointment every six months.
We screen for periodontal disease to keep your gums healthy and we screen for oral cancer. Your short-term and long-term dental health is considered during a hygiene appointment. Do you have yours scheduled for this year?
