We get it– those twice-yearly teeth cleanings can be a bit of a hassle. Six months may seem like a long time, but it goes by in a flash. And suddenly, you’re getting calls from your dentist reminding you of yet another upcoming appointment.

For many patients, their reaction is to put off their appointment a little longer. “Just one more week”, they say. “Two tops”. But far too often those two weeks turn into a month, then two months, and so on… and, well, you know the rest.

Putting off those cleanings may seem fine in the short term. But attending appointments regularly is crucial for maintaining good oral health, as well as your overall health.

To prove it, we’ve come up with five of the most important reasons to stop procrastinating and get your teeth cleaned on time.

1. Remove Tartar Buildup

This is one of the top reasons why our doctors recommend regular teeth cleanings. No matter how well you brush your teeth, tartar buildup is inevitable.

If left alone for long enough, this tartar buildup can cause problems like cavities and gum disease. These conditions are costly to treat and damaging to your long-term dental health.

Medical professionals have even linked tartar buildup to broader health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As improbable as that may sound, remember– all health is related. So taking good care of your teeth has far-reaching benefits we may not even understand.

Also, bear in mind that any infection left untreated can infect the blood and result in a life-threatening emergency!

Getting your teeth cleaned twice a year is a cheap and easy way to prevent these less-than-ideal outcomes.

2. Early Cancer Detection

That’s right– teeth cleanings aren’t just about cleaning teeth. Doctors are also looking for possible signs of things like oral cancer.

If caught early enough, these issues are often easily treatable. But, the longer cancer goes untreated, the harder it is to get rid of and the more potentially fatal it becomes. For these reasons, early detection is key. And making your cleanings on time is a perfect way to ensure that that happens.

3. Get Rid of Bad Breath

Bad breath is a more common problem than we’d like to admit. But there’s nothing to be ashamed of! Having bad breath doesn’t mean you have poor oral hygiene. It’s a natural consequence of bacterial buildup in the mouth.

Bacterial buildup takes the form of plaque– a colorless film on the front of the teeth. During your dental cleaning, the hygienist removes the plaque and treats the teeth to stave off any further buildup. That means longer-lasting fresher breath!

4. A Whiter, Brighter Smile

Teeth stain. It’s a fact. Consistent brushing and mouthwash can help prevent staining, but not to the same extent as fluoride treatment and polishing.

Consistent teeth cleanings keep your smile white and shining. So you don’t have to feel self-conscious when laughing with friends or posing for pictures.

5. Prevent Tooth Loss

Gum disease affects more than your gums. What begins as plaque buildup can become a serious infection, moving down into the tooth and destroying the jaw bone tissue. This worst-case scenario often results in tooth loss. The worst part? You may not even know that it’s happening! 

Often gum disease goes undetected– that is until it’s too late. Then it’s one expensive procedure after another to treat the infection and replace the missing tooth (or teeth).

So, if you wish to keep your smile whole and natural for as long as possible, go to those appointments! We guarantee you won’t regret it.So what are you waiting for? Contact Tomken Dental to schedule your teeth cleaning today!