The Dangers of Ignoring Routine Dental Cleanings

Visiting the dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups is an important part of maintaining good oral health. However, many people neglect their dental appointments and put off regular cleanings.

Unfortunately, this can have serious consequences, as ignoring routine dental cleanings can lead to significant damage to your teeth and gums. Let’s take a look at some of the dangers of not getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis.

Gum Disease (periodontal disease)

Without regular dental cleanings, plaque can build up on your teeth and cause gum disease. Plaque is made up of bacteria that irritate the gums and cause them to swell and recede from the teeth.

As gum disease progresses, you may experience chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, or tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque before it builds up enough to cause gum disease.

Cavities

Another consequence of not visiting the dentist regularly is an increased risk for cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that eat away at the enamel on your teeth and form holes in them. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain or even infection in your teeth or gums.

Regular dental cleanings remove these bacteria before they can form cavities in your teeth. Additionally, dentists can detect cavities early on with X-rays during routine checkups so they can be treated promptly before they become more serious problems.

Tooth Decay

Routine dental cleanings also help prevent tooth decay by removing plaque buildup that would otherwise weaken your tooth enamel over time and eventually lead to decay. Decay is one of the most common causes of tooth loss because it destroys healthy tissue as it spreads through a tooth’s root system. Regular dental visits are essential for preventing this type of damage from occurring in the first place.

Oral Health in Between Cleanings

Between dental cleanings, it is important to maintain good oral health habits. The cornerstone of optimal oral hygiene is brushing your teeth at least twice per day with a brush that has soft bristles.

Additionally, flossing should not be neglected as it can remove plaque buildup from the areas in between your teeth which may be able to brush daily. Beyond brushing and flossing, reducing sugar and acidic foods in your diet can also have a positive effect on preserving tooth enamel and overall oral health.

Finally, regular check-ups with your dentist are necessary to diagnosing small issues before they become more serious and costly concerns down the road.

Schedule Regular Cleanings!

The importance of regular dental visits cannot be underestimated; not only do they help keep your mouth healthy, but they also help detect any potential issues early so they can be treated quickly and easily before becoming more serious problems down the line. If you have been skipping out on routine dental appointments, then it’s time to make an appointment with Pinnacle Dentistry today!

Not only will you be protecting yourself from potential health risks such as gum disease or cavities but you will also be saving yourself money by avoiding expensive treatments down the road due to neglected oral hygiene.