Did you know that the leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease, and that plaque is the primary cause of gum disease? When patients ask us if they can safely put off getting their routine teeth cleaning, we are quick to tell them that’s a bad idea. Professional dental cleanings are essential to keeping your mouth healthy, along with your daily at-home dental hygiene care.
Your Six-Month Dental Cleaning
When you come in for a dental cleaning and exam, you can expect the following:
-You get your teeth cleaned to get rid of harmful bacterial plaque and tartar that cause cavities and gum disease.
-Your teeth are flossed and polished for a more beautiful, looking smile.
-Your mouth is examined, often with dental X-rays, to spot problems early for effective treatment.
Schedule your routine dental cleanings every six months unless you have a problem like gum disease, which requires frequent visits. Gum disease is degenerative, so it inflames and infects gum tissues until they pull away (recede) from your teeth. Without proper treatment, gum disease will leave you with gum tissue recession, bone loss, and finally, tooth loss.
Signs & Treatment of Gum Disease
You might have gum disease if your gums are red, tender and swollen, or bleed easily. As gum disease progresses, you may have chronic bad breath, loose teeth, and pain when you chew. Depending on the stage of your gum disease, you may need more frequent dental cleanings, stepped-up oral hygiene at home, antibiotics, deep cleanings, or gum surgery.
People with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events. But there may not be a direct connection. Many people with heart disease have healthy gums, and not everyone with gum disease develops heart problems.
You can avoid the damaging effects of gum disease by seeing our Valley View Dental team for regular dental cleanings in Romeoville, Naperville, and Montgomery, Illinois.
We will make sure your dental hygiene visit is comfortable.