Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Biannual Dental Cleanings

Attending regular dental appointments is a little like remembering to eat enough vegetables. It takes planning and a bit of dedication to your health. Yet, the result is well worth the effort.

At Sabrina E. Mickel DDS and Associates in Beachwood, Ohio, Dr. Mickel and our team advise patients to follow the guidelines of the American Dental Association and schedule regular dental visits.

The spacing of your visits depends on your specific situation — if you have gum disease, you may need more frequent cleanings, but most people need to come in at least twice a year.

Making your oral health a priority

You may have the most thorough at-home oral hygiene routine in the world. You brush and floss diligently. Yet, bacteria, plaque, and tartar can still build up on your teeth. Regular, professional cleanings are necessary to remove that build-up and prevent gum disease. 

Make dental care a priority on your calendar. Here are a few of the benefits of biannual dental cleanings:

Catch decay at the earliest stage

The chance of developing cavities drops dramatically with regular dental cleanings. The medical name for the common cavity is dental caries, and more people have it than don’t.

When a cavity begins to form, the enamel on your tooth softens. If Dr. Mickel catches it at that early stage, she can stop the decay right there and protect your tooth. 

Save money

Just as regular visits can prevent cavities before they advance beyond your enamel, they can also halt other oral health issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems.

For example, if a cavity you’re unaware of becomes infected, you may end up needing a root canal, or even a dental implant to replace a tooth that can’t be saved. 

Avoid gum disease

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is one of the most common oral health diseases in the world. It can cause bad breath, bleeding gums, and sensitivity — and ultimately put you at risk of losing your teeth.

Some people don’t experience symptoms of gum disease until it’s advanced. Regular dental appointments are the best way to prevent gum disease because we check your gums and teeth for any signs of problems at each visit.

Screen for oral cancer

Every year, more than 58,000 American adults are diagnosed with oral cancer. The good news is oral cancer that’s detected and treated in the early stages is quite curable. We perform screenings for oral cancer as part of your routine dental care.

Keep your mouth healthy! Schedule your appointment by phone or online at Sabrina E. Mickel DDS and Associates today.