5 Surprising Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your oral health. They help remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But did you know that dental cleanings can also help improve the overall health of your body? Keep reading to learn more.

Fresher Breath

When food particles and bacteria are left behind on the teeth, the odor can become worse over time as more material is left to decay. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause further health issues. By getting a dental cleaning every six months, you can rest assured that you’ll reduce the bacteria in your mouth. This will reduce odors commonly caused by bacteria and decaying food particles. Your breath will also smell better because the bacteria will no longer be lingering inside your mouth. 

Improved Well-being

Studies have shown a strong correlation between oral infections such as gum disease and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, and cancer. When bacteria from an oral infection enter the bloodstream, they can travel to other parts of the body and lead to significant systemic inflammation. Inflammation can, in turn, lead to a wide variety of adverse health effects throughout the body. Patients with poor oral hygiene may therefore be at a higher risk for these serious health concerns.

The inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria may reduce the body’s ability to fight other infections, such as respiratory infections. This can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, people with untreated periodontal disease are more likely to have diabetes, which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. By scheduling regular checkups and cleanings every six months, you can prevent the development of oral disease and catch any issues early on, resolving them quickly before they lead to more serious problems. 

Fewer Cavities

Cavities are formed when oral bacteria combine with food debris to form acids. These acids erode tooth enamel and ultimately cause small pits to develop in the teeth. The longer it takes for a cavity to reach this point, the less damage it will cause. By coming in for regular cleanings, we can help patients maintain optimal oral health and prevent the onset of future decay.

Brighter Teeth

Your teeth are naturally white — but sometimes that brightness fades over time. Part of that is due to aging, but what you eat and how often you brush your teeth also play a key role in the color of your teeth. Stained or discolored teeth look unhealthy and less attractive than bright, clean ones. You might notice this if you’re taking pictures for your social media profiles and notice that your smile looks duller than it usually does. Getting regular cleanings and whitening treatments can help you recapture the bright smile you had when you were younger!

Detecting Oral Cancer At the Earliest

Scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months is the best way to catch oral cancer in its earliest stages. During your checkup, your dentist will carefully examine your mouth to look for signs of oral cancer or other abnormalities. If caught and treated early on, oral cancer is highly curable. That is why it is important to have routine checkups with your dentist at least once a year.

Please reach out to our dental practice in Pleasanton, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist in Pleasanton, CA. Please call us at (925) 600-9006 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.