The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Maintaining good oral hygiene starts with daily brushing and flossing, but alone are not enough to maintain gum and teeth health long-term. Regular dental checkups and dental cleanings are a cornerstone to oral hygiene, and can prevent larger issues from worsening over time. The link between poor oral habits and systemic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease is ever-growing.  

Prioritizing preventative dental care means not just prioritizing your oral health, but your overall health, too.

What Is Preventive Dental Care?

Preventive dental care refers to all actions taken to prevent oral issues and maintain a healthy smile. These actions include daily brushing with fluoride-based toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. It extends to avoiding foods and habits that affect oral health and going for regular dental checkups Bethesda.

Preventive care is so critical that The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends children have their first dental checkup by age 1. Parents are also encouraged to care for their baby’s gums from birth. This helps prevent cavities even before their first tooth grows in.

The fact that insurance usually covers 100% of the cost of regular dental checkups and dental cleanings underscores their importance.

Health Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Periodic visits to your dentist allow them to examine your mouth, teeth, and gums visually and via X-rays. The exam reveals your oral health status and guides the dentist on what steps to take. Teeth cleaning is a part of your routine checkup regardless. According to our Bethesda oral health professionals at Jay H. Samuels DDS, here are the top reasons adults and children must keep their scheduled dental visits.

Early Detection

Dental exams are done at each six-month checkup. These exams are the bulk of your visits, allowing your dentist in Bethesda to spot and treat developing problems early. Common oral health issues include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early detection and treatment help prevent these problems from worsening or leading to tooth loss.

Professional Teeth Cleanings

We are sure you do your best every day to maintain good oral health. However, teeth in the back of the mouth are hard to reach and clean with an ordinary toothbrush, no matter how good of a job you’re doing at home. Plaque and tartar buildup over time can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, gum disease, or loose teeth. Brushing can remove plaque but not after it hardens into tartar. Your dentist will use special dental tools to remove it from your teeth and gumline. Overall, professional cleaning helps restore gum and teeth health. Some patients opt for professional teeth whitening for an extra sparkly finish.

Tooth Loss Prevention

You only have one set of natural teeth. Routine dental checkups can help protect them for life. Many dentists provide professional cleanings, treatments, and services to secure teeth health. These range from fluoride treatments and dental sealants to dental fillings, root canals, and crowns. Children especially can benefit from dental sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent or slow the progression of cavities.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer can affect the soft tissue of your mouth, including the tongue, throat, cheeks, lips, and palates. Your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer such as lumps, sores, or other abnormalities. They will refer you to a specialist for further diagnostics and treatment if necessary. Individuals who need regular oral cancer screenings include heavy smokers and drinkers. Similarly, those with poor oral hygiene, weakened immunity, or improperly fitted dental prostheses are at a higher risk.

Preventive Dental Care at Dr. Jay Samuels

Maintaining healthy teeth and smiles takes a commitment to good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups at Jay H. Samuels, DDS in North Bethesda, MD. We are always excited to provide annual exams and professional cleanings to protect your pearly whites. Call 301-881-4200 or request an appointment online for dental cleanings and much more.

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