Helping your family maintain routine dental cleanings is one of the most beneficial things you can do for their oral health. Unfortunately, many people believe that brushing and flossing their teeth at home is enough to keep cavities and gum disease at bay.
If you’re one of them, your St. Paul, MN dentists have some information that they want you to know. Dental cleanings every six months—or as recommended—are essential if you want a healthy smile, and here’s why.
Your Brush and Floss Can’t Do It All
A good oral hygiene routine consists of brushing at least twice a day and flossing once to remove plaque buildup that leads to cavities. However, there are tight spaces between teeth that you can’t clean sufficiently, but a skilled dental hygienist can. Working as a team, we can ensure that your teeth and gums are as clean and healthy as they need to be.
It’s Not Just about the Teeth Cleaning
Hygiene appointments at our St. Paul dental office are about more than getting your teeth clean. Seeing your hygienist regularly allows them to monitor your gum health, which is a crucial part of your dental care. Periodontal disease or gingivitis can exist and cause significant damage long before you even experience symptoms like bleeding or swollen gums.
The Dangers of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is widespread in this country and affects half of all US adults over age 30. It is incredibly destructive, and without proper treatment, can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss in the advanced stages.
But that’s not the worst of it; mountains of research tell us that your oral and general health are closely related. Gum infections and inflammation can affect just about every other system in your body and contribute to heart and respiratory disease, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, premature births, and many other conditions.
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning in St. Paul, MN
Routine teeth cleanings are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy and control dental costs. If it’s time for your six-month hygiene appointment, call the team at Highgrove Dental Care to schedule.