Why Dental Cleanings Matter to Your General Health

How Do Dental Cleanings Impact My Overall Health?

The importance of oral health can’t be overstated. Good oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but did you know regular dental cleanings can also impact your overall health?

Dental cleanings involve the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. It may seem like a simple procedure, but regular cleanings can have a profound impact on your overall health.

Benefits of Dental Cleanings on Your Health

Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common dental problem that can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. Receiving dental cleanings every six months can help prevent gum disease as plaque and tartar buildup are removed. When these plaque and tartar deposits aren’t removed, it can lead to inflammation and infection in the gums.

Not only does gum disease cause swelling, bleeding, and red gums, it can always progress into periodontitis. This can cause tooth loss and lead to further oral health complications.

Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease

Did you know that there’s a link between gum disease and heart disease? The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Regular dental cleanings can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth and lower your risk of developing heart disease.

Reduces the Risk of Respiratory Infections

Poor oral hygiene can also increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, causing infections and inflammation. Dental cleanings can help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Maintains Overall Health

Dental cleanings can also help maintain your overall health by detecting and treating dental problems early on. During a cleaning, your dentist can identify early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer and recommend treatment before it progresses.

Catching Disease Before It Progresses

Early detection can prevent dental problems from progressing and affecting your overall health. During a dental cleaning, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, and gums, looking for any signs of disease or decay.

If your dentist detects any issues, such as cavities or gum disease, they can recommend treatment to prevent the problem from worsening. For example, if your dentist detects early signs of gum disease, they may recommend a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) procedure. This procedure allows your dentist to remove bacteria and plaque from the gum line and prevent further damage to the gums and teeth.

Regular dental cleanings can also help detect oral cancer early when it’s most treatable. We can provide you with oral cancer screening during your cleaning appointment. Your dentist will examine your mouth for any signs of abnormal tissue growth or lesions and may recommend a biopsy or other tests to determine if cancer is present.

Don’t Delay Your Routine Teeth Cleanings. Schedule Today!

By scheduling biannual dental cleanings, we can prevent gum disease, lower the risk of heart disease and respiratory infections, and maintain overall health. Additionally, regular cleanings can help catch dental problems early on, preventing them from progressing and affecting your overall health. Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist to maintain good oral health and overall well-being.

For those in the Staten Island area, contact our dentists today to schedule your next dental cleaning!

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