When it comes to a traditional dental cleaning, the process typically involves removing hardened plaque and tartar as well as polishing a person’s teeth, leaving them with a cleaner, fresher smile. Although it may seem as if this preventive method of treatment only benefits the oral cavity, its benefits extend far beyond the mouth. Read on to learn just how pivotal a standard cleaning can be for optimal, total body health and wellness.
The Connection Between Dental Cleanings and Your Health
Everyone knows that a regular six-month cleaning is recommended for improved oral health. But what you may not realize is that this routine appointment can also prevent serious problems from developing in other parts of your body. Here are just a few of the many ways your standard cleaning can make a difference in achieving better overall health:
- Gum Disease Prevention: By removing hardened plaque and tartar, you can reduce your risk for gum disease and prevent possible bone and tooth loss.
- Minimize Cardiovascular Problems: With regular cleanings, your reduced chances of gum disease can also lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke because there will be no bacteria or inflammation to enter into the bloodstream. This ensures your blood vessels continue to allow proper blood flow throughout your body.
- Prevention of Diabetes: Because gum disease and diabetes are closely connected, your regular dental cleaning can lower the possible risk of developing this common disease. For those already living with diabetes, preventive cleanings can also make it easier to manage blood glucose levels by removing plaque and tartar.
- Reduced Risk for Neurological Disorders: Since gum disease can cause inflammation throughout the oral cavity and within the body, it is known to be a contributing factor to dementia. With professional cleanings, you can reduce the rate of neurological diseases and improve your quality of life.
Additionally, seeing your dentist for a dental cleaning can mitigate the potential for cavities, bad breath, and prevent premature birth in pregnant mothers.
Why Every Six Months?
There are many reasons why regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings are necessary. Not only do most dental insurance companies offer to cover two preventive appointments each year (and have clauses that state each visit must be within six months and a day of each other), but this is an ideal timeline to help you maintain better oral and overall health.
Preventive services are designed to stop problems before they start; however, should an issue develop between appointments, most cases are still considered in the early stages and can be easily treated if caught during one of these six-month visits.
Gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer are fast-acting problems that can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. By choosing to take control of your oral health and keep your regularly scheduled appointments, you can be sure your smile and your body are in the best possible shape.
About the Authors
Dr. Kenneth Endres brings more than 40 years of experience to his patients
at Salmon Brook Dental Associates. He has extensive experience in a wide array
of dental specialties and works closely with his colleague, Dr. Gunveen Chawla,
to ensure all patients achieve beautiful smiles. Providing optimal preventive services,
individuals are encouraged to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings to
ensure healthier teeth, gums, and total body wellness. If you want to take charge
of your health and wellbeing, visit our website
or call (860) 653-4551.