Smile Correction Devices: The Good, The Bad And The Amazing

Why should you schedule your teeth cleaning appointment right now? You brush and floss at least twice a day. But this doesn't mean you can skip professional preventive care. Take a look at what you need to know about your dental health and the benefits of regular dentist office care.

How Often Should You Go To the Dentist's Office?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), different patients need different preventative care and cleaning schedules. While one annual appointment may keep your teeth clean, this schedule may not work for your spouse, child, other family members, or friend. At the very least, you should schedule one cleaning per year. But this doesn't necessarily mean you can get away with a one-and-done approach.

Talk to your dentist about how many cleaning or well visits you should schedule annually. The dentist will base this decision on your individual needs. Factors such as at-home care, periodontal (gum) disease, dental caries (cavities), lifestyle habits, and genetics may impact the number of professional cleanings you will need.

Why Should You Go To the Dentist's Office?

Your at-home routine includes brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, flossing, and a mouthwash product. Even though you're on top of your regular dental health, you can still benefit from an in-office cleaning and other preventative services. 

The top reasons to schedule a teeth cleaning service include:

• Lack of professional care. While personal dental care is important, you need to include professional care in your regular routine. If you can't remember when your last appointment was, it's time to call the office for a cleaning.

• Whiten your teeth. Do your teeth look dull or yellowish? Professional polishing can remove surface stains and whiten your smile. 

• Stop a problem before it gets worse. The dental pro won't just polish your teeth during a cleaning. They'll remove plaque buildup. Stuck-on plaque can feed the bacteria in your mouth and erode enamel—eventually causing serious decay.

• Your gum's health. Your oral health includes more than just your teeth. The dentist and hygienist can examine your gums and look for signs of periodontal disease during a regular check-up and cleaning appointment. 

Along with these benefits, regular cleanings can also help to freshen your breath. Tartar buildup and infection can leave you with a serious case of halitosis (more commonly known as bad breath). Routine professional-level dental care can stop a bad breath problem in its tracks and help you to correct this common oral issue.