Three Reasons for Regular Dental Cleanings from Your Battle Creek Dentist

It’s incredibly important for your overall health to visit your Battle Creek dentist office for dental cleanings every six months or more often as recommended by your dentist. In this post, we will discuss four of the reasons routine dental cleanings and exams are a critical component in staying healthy.

Preventing tooth decay – Cavities, or caries, are caused by bacteria in plaque that produce acid which destroys your tooth’s enamel along with the dentin, the layer under your enamel. In most cases, cavities will need to be filled to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. The good news is that they can usually be prevented with regular visits to your Battle Creek dentist for cleanings and exams as well as daily brushing and flossing.

Preventing gum disease – Gum disease, or gingivitis, can be insidious and many people, especially in the early stages, have no idea they have it. The beginning stages of gum disease are often painless and offer no symptoms unless you know what to look for. While thorough daily brushing and flossing can help in preventing gum disease, for many people it’s not enough. Plaque buildup is often stubborn and requires the tools, equipment, and expertise a dental professional provides. Fortunately, if gum disease is caught (in its early stages especially), it is reversible.

Decreased costs in the long run – In many cases, dental insurance plans pay for themselves in no time. Even for those without dental insurance, the costs associated with routine dental cleanings are much lower than major dental work you may require if you do not take care of your teeth and gums. The costs associated with major dental work are often ongoing and go beyond the limits of your dental insurance plan.