Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
If you have dental insurance, your policy likely provides a benefit that covers part or all of your preventive dental treatments, including cleanings, checkups, and routine x-rays. And those benefits expire at the end of the year so if you don’t use it, you lose it! Many people fail to use their dental benefits to the fullest, leaving money on the table and neglecting their oral health. Today on the blog, Dr. Christine Tenaglia shares five reasons to get a dental cleaning before it’s too late and your benefits expire.
Prevent gum disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S., although it is avoidable for most people. Good oral hygiene like brushing and flossing daily and seeing the dentist twice a year for preventive treatments is the best way to prevent gum disease. Some individuals with certain health conditions like pregnancy or diabetes or that take certain medications like cancer treatments may be at a higher risk of develop gum disease, which is not curable. Gum disease is an active infection that provokes the immune system by causing chronic inflammation. Plus, harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of other life-threatening diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning (more than six months) schedule one with Tenaglia Smiles before the end of the year.
Prevent cavities
Cavities are an oral disease that develops in teeth due to neglect or a high sugar and processed foods diet. We recommend eating a balanced diet that’s low in sugar and drink mostly water between meals, but that’s not always possible for everyone. Routine checkups allow Dr. Tenaglia a chance to discover cavities in their earliest stage so that they can be remedied quickly, before they worsen and cause a toothache or lead to tooth loss.
Freshen your breath
Routine dental cleanings remove tartar and help freshen your breath so that you do not have to feel embarrassed. Tartar buildup occurs on everyone’s teeth and the only way to remove tartar is with a professional dental cleaning at the dentist. Harboring tartar buildup leads to bacteria overgrowth that cause bad breath. Tartar can also irritate and infect the gums, causing gum disease and eventually eroding the jawbone that hold teeth in their sockets. This is problematic because it can make getting dental implants less likely and difficult for dentures to rest properly on the jawbone. Help keep your breath fresh by adhering to the recommended dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.
Keep your teeth whiter
Teeth develop stains from the food we eat and beverages we drink. Tartar buildup is also to blame for yellowing of the teeth. During a routine dental cleaning, the dental hygienist gently removes the tartar buildup by scrapping it off your teeth and along the gum line, and then polishes your teeth with a mildly abrasive toothpaste, which can remove surface stains from teeth. For a brighter smile, however, consider asking Dr. Tenaglia about GLO teeth whitening so that you can whiten your teeth at home, achieving results in as little as one week!
Lower your risk of tooth loss
It’s estimated that around 178 million adults in the U.S. have at least one missing tooth, while 40 million have lost all their teeth. Tooth loss can affect your confidence, causing you to shy away from smiling. It can also affect your ability to chew food and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. However, seeing the dentist regularly for cleanings can help lower your risk of tooth loss because we catch dental issues from the start. We think these preventive treatments are definitely worth the value, considering the cost of tooth loss and replacing missing teeth with other treatments.
Family Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan
Dr. Tenaglia provides dental care to patients of all ages in Okemos and the surrounding areas. She supports the American Dental Association’s recommendation of seeing the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. With the end of the year upon us, don’t let your benefits go to waste! Schedule your next cleaning and checkup with Tenaglia Smiles today by calling (517) 347-6733.