Skipping Professional Teeth Cleaning Can Destroy Your Oral Health
Skipping the dentist and routine teeth cleaning is a popular habit, but as mom always said, “just because it’s popular, doesn’t make it right.” Tooth decay and gum disease are highly preventable, but maintaining good oral health is not a job you can do all by yourself. Bacteria can live on your teeth and gums even if you are an avid brusher. Removal of this build-up of bacteria requires a professional teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist. It’s easy to want to skip visits to the dentist—no insurance, difficulty finding an affordable dentist, and dental phobias make for good excuses. However, with 90 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 being affected by tooth decay, it’s time to stop making excuses and get to a dentist in Michigan for the sake of your oral health.
Why do you need a teeth cleaning twice a year?
The reason for regular dental visits is logical. Just 24 hours after having a professional teeth cleaning, the bacteria that the dental hygienist removed already begin re-colonizing. With facts like that, it’s easy to see why proper dental care is a team effort. Neither you, nor your dentist and dental hygienist, can keep your mouth, teeth, and gums maximally healthy alone. The recommendation for twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is to keep excessive amounts of bacteria from building up.
However, some plaque will inevitably build up, and that is when you must have your dental hygienist perform a professional teeth cleaning. At about the six-month mark, bacteria that can’t be reached by your at-home dental care efforts will need to be removed professionally, before it calcifies. Missing that six-month appointment can lead to a teeth cleaning with intense scraping or, even worse, news that you have tooth decay or gingivitis.
Although a teeth cleaning is a primary aspect of a dental appointment, it is not the only reason to visit a dentist in Michigan. Your dentist and dental hygienist can also detect early signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
The earlier these kinds of conditions are detected, the greater the possibility for effective treatment. So, the next time you consider skipping a routine visit to the dentist for a teeth cleaning, think again—the health of your smile depends on it.
To learn about our family dentistry practice in Michigan, call Gentle Dental of Michigan today at or make an appointment.
Gentle Dental of Michigan offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Michigan. With 4 affiliated practices throughout Michigan, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Gentle Dental of Michigan, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Gentle Dental of Michigan.
