Our dentist in Lebanon, IN, recommends that most patients get professional teeth cleanings twice a year. However, Dr. Lee may recommend more frequent if you have a chronic condition like periodontitis. Regardless of your circumstances, there are plenty of benefits associated with seeking preventive dental care.
Here’s what you need to know about professional teeth cleanings and the benefits they bring to your oral health.
1. Remove Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar and increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
The main advantage of routine teeth cleanings is that we’re able to effectively remove plaque and tartar in one visit to our office. What’s more, most patients only need to return every six months to maintain healthy smiles.
2. Prevent Cavities
Bacteria is the #1 cause of cavities. The good news is that Dr. Lee and his staff are able to remove plaque and tartar so you can maintain a healthy smile for life. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, professional cleanings are your best defense against tooth decay.
3. Avoid Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Even if you practice good oral hygiene at home, it’s vital that you see our dentist at least twice a year to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
While you can remove plaque at home by brushing and flossing, only a skilled dental professional will be able to remove tartar. For this reason, we recommend scheduling dental cleanings with us at least twice a year to safeguard your smile.
4. Catch Oral Health Issues Early
The sooner we detect an issue with your oral health, the sooner we can treat it. This means you’re more likely to be eligible for conservative procedures. For example, while Dr. Lee may recommend a filling for a small cavity, you’re more likely to need a dental crown for significant decay.
In addition to examining your teeth and gums, we may also take X-rays depending on how long it’s been since your last ones. X-rays allow us to see things that are hidden, such as cavities between teeth.
5. Improve Overall Health and Wellness
Many people are surprised to learn that their dental health affects their overall wellbeing. Likewise, certain medical conditions have the ability to impact the health of your teeth, gums, and other oral structures. For example, a person with diabetes is more likely to also experience gum disease since they’re more susceptible to infections.
Dr. Lee is your greatest ally when it comes to protecting your oral health. Schedule an appointment with our office to learn how we can protect your smile!
6. Save Money in the Long Run
In general, costs much less than restorative care. What’s more, most dental insurances cover the full cost of teeth cleanings and exams. This allows you to benefit from our preventive dental services and safeguard your smile from cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
If you haven’t seen our dentist yet this year, we encourage you to take full advantage of your benefits. Most policies allow for up to two teeth cleanings per year free of charge.
7. Reduce Your Risk of a Dental Emergency
Did you know that routine teeth cleanings can reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency? This is because your routine visits give us the opportunity to detect oral health issues in their early stages while they’re easier to treat. People who go for years without seeing a dentist are more likely to experience toothaches, cracked teeth, untreated bruxism, and other problems.
Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning
Dr. Dwight B. Lee is proud to serve as your local dentist in Lebanon, IN. To schedule your next teeth cleaning with us, please call (765) 482-2400. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.