The American Dental Association, along with our dental team, recommends that patients of all ages complete professional dental cleanings every six months. There are a number of reasons that regularly schedule cleanings are important. Today our Santa Monica dentist will be reviewing some of these reasons for you!
1. Infection and decay prevention
Bacterial plaque is constantly building up on your smile. You are able to clear some of this away by brushing and flossing diligently. However, it’s impossible for you to get rid of all of this plaque, and calcified plaque (called tartar), on your own. That is where our dental team comes in! Using professional dental tools we can get rid of that hard-to-remove bacteria. This helps you avoid cavities and gum disease. When you complete professional cleanings every six months, you make it more likely that we can get rid of harmful plaque before it damages your smile.
2. Thorough screening for oral health threats
Regularly scheduled, and completed, dental appointments also allow our dental team to track any changes to your oral health. When we see you regularly we are able to spot and treat emerging dental problems before they become serious.
3. Prompt oral cancer detection
It can be very difficult for patients to notice the signs of early cancerous tissues on their own. You should be evaluated regularly by a dentist so that your dental team can diagnose oral cancers in their earliest stages—when they are most easily and conveniently treated.
If you have fallen behind on your schedule of professional dental cleanings, don’t panic! Our Santa Monica dentist office is here to help you get back on track, so that you can keep your smile clean and healthy for years to come. Please call us to schedule a consultation with our helpful dental team!