Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Many people have memories of their parents nagging about brushing their teeth. It may not seem pleasant, but the constant reminder leads you into a lifetime of good oral health. So whether their coaxing worked or not, it should be no surprise that visiting the dentist for professional cleanings can brighten your smile and substantially impact your well-being and overall health condition. Dr. Christine Tenaglia, a leading family dentist in Okemos, explains on the blog today why you should get your teeth cleaned regularly.
What’s the purpose of dental cleanings?
Dental checkups and cleanings help ensure you maintain a healthy mouth. During cleaning, our hygienist will remove harmful bacteria, plaque, tartar, and surface stains. Even avid patients who brush and floss more than required need a dental cleaning that removes harmful bacteria in hard-to-reach places like between teeth and under the gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) advises people to visit their Lansing family-friendly dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months to prevent common oral health conditions, such as gum disease.
What are the benefits of dental cleanings?
After the dental hygienist completes your cleaning, you may notice a brighter smile and fresher breath. Fortunately, there are several additional benefits to professional teeth cleaning sessions.
Our friendly dentist in East Lansing shares below many benefits you may experience when you visit our office for a cleaning.
- Stains that discolor or dull your teeth are removable with unique tools and a highly trained dental hygienist.
- Regular dental cleanings keep gum disease at bay. If untreated, gum disease leads to tooth loss.
- Oral cancer can be treatable when detected early. Since one person dies every hour from oral cancer, annual oral cancer screenings are recommended.
- Removing harmful bacteria reduces your risk of gum disease, heart attack, cardiovascular disease, or stroke.
- Dental exams provide an opportune time to uncover advanced dental conditions, such as a broken tooth, a missing filling, or cavities. With early treatment, you can prevent progressed conditions that cost time and money to repair.
- Dental insurance companies often provide benefits for two checkups and cleaning visits per year for preventative care.
- Surprise dental issues can flip your financial world with unexpected expenses. Fortunately, when a situation arises, our friendly Okemos dental office can discuss possible financial arrangements so that you can get the treatment you need.
What could happen if I avoid dental cleanings?
Your twice-a-year dental appointment can provide crucial information to your dentist about your oral health. Since meticulous records outline your oral health condition during each visit to our Lansing dental office, Dr. Tenaglia can determine how to alter your treatment for improvements. However, if you choose to avoid visiting the dentist, the harmful bacteria on your teeth can damage your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Additionally, studies link oral health condition to the health of the entire body. Some reports explain how oral bacteria enter bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia. Therefore, taking good care of your teeth and gums is not only beneficial to how your smile looks, but the health of your entire body!
Family Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Your overall health status could be under attack from harmful oral bacteria when you avoid caring for your oral health. Your dedication to a regular oral health regimen that includes brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings can minimize oral bacteria. Feel free to reach out to our East Lansing dental practice, Tenaglia Smiles, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Christine Tenaglia for your next checkup and cleaning. Call our office at (517) 347-6733.