Did you know that only 64% of American adults have visited the dentist in the past year? Not seeing the dentist regularly can have detrimental effects on your health.
Not only does our team clean your teeth and remove the plaque and germs that build up on your teeth, but we can also catch problems like cavities and tooth decay early on before they progress.
At Dr. Brian LaBombard, DMD, your dental health is our greatest priority. Brian LaBombard, DMD, is here to cover all of your dental care needs, from preventive dentistry to cosmetic. That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful article detailing the four reasons you should have your teeth professionally cleaned.
1. Removal of plaque and tartar
While regular brushing and flossing limits plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth, it won’t stop everything. This can only be done with a professional cleaning.
If you don’t remove the plaque from your teeth, it can build up over time and harden to form calculus and tartar.
Plaque is the opaque film and can prove damaging to your teeth. Because bacteria live in plaque they secrete acids which cause tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Lower your risk of heart attack and stroke
Dental care is essential because germs can migrate to other areas of your body and impact your overall health. In fact, having your teeth professionally cleaned can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
In one study, researchers studied Taiwan’s National health insurance database and found that patients who’d had at least one teeth cleaning had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke than those who had not.
This is likely because teeth cleaning reduces inflammation-inducing bacteria and improves your blood vessel functioning, leading to better blood flow which has a positive impact on your overall health.
3. Fluoride treatments
Fluoride treatments can be applied during a professional teeth cleaning. They protect your teeth from germs and tooth decay and help to prevent cavities.
With a fluoride treatment, we apply a foamy gel to your teeth and let it rest for about a minute. We then apply fluoride varnish to your teeth, which hardens almost immediately, so you can eat and drink as you normally would afterward.
4. Professional flossing
Flossing is important for your dental health, and it does about 40% of the work of cleaning your teeth. This is because food can get stuck between your teeth and can lead to decay.
Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to keeping your teeth clean. It’s best to floss before bed to optimize your oral health before you go to sleep.
For more information on professional teeth cleanings or to make an appointment, call us at 512-668-9912 or schedule an appointment on our website today.