Why Dental Cleanings aren’t a Gimmick

dental cleanings are not a gimmick

dental cleanings are not a gimmickServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

“Make sure to see your dentist every six months.” You probably have been hearing that for as long as you can remember. Some people might think that dental check-ups and cleanings are concocted by dental practices as an excuse to make money. Nothing could be further from the truth. Regular check-ups and cleanings at your dentist in Greeneville family dentist go a long way toward ensuring you maintain your oral health.

What’s the big deal with dental check-ups?

You know if something is off with your teeth. You bite down wrong and experience sharp pain. You suddenly have enhanced sensitivity to extremely hot and cold foods and drinks. Your face is swelling. A tooth is beginning to throb. All of these are examples of situations that could qualify as a dental emergency.

Regular dental check-ups are preventive efforts that go a long way toward preventing dental emergencies. During a check-up, you will have a professional dental cleaning, and your general dentist in Greeneville conducts a routine exam of your teeth and mouth. Regular check-ups provide a record of your dental health and, when you see your dentist every six months, this record gets updated—thus making it easier to identify any significant changes in your oral that could signal a problem. Your dentist also can identify potential issues that may be unnoticeable to you.

As part of this goal to maintain a consistent record of your dental health, you may have X-rays taken of your teeth and mouth. These images serve a valuable diagnostic purpose and can check for an underlying issue that might be impossible to be seen with the naked eye. Many dentists also conduct oral cancer screenings during each regularly scheduled check-up.

The importance of a professional dental cleaning

It doesn’t matter how diligent you are about your brushing and flossing. Plaque and tartar buildup happen to everyone, even dentists. The only way to have all the potential cavity-causing plaque removed from your mouth is to see your dentist for a cleaning. During a professional dental cleaning, an experienced and well-trained dental hygienist uses specialized tools to thoroughly clean and polish your teeth. And, by seeing your dentist every six months, you lower your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Dental cleanings keep your teeth looking healthy as well, as it removes stains. Undergoing a dental cleaning also leaves you with a great-looking smile and fresher breath too.

Dental Cleanings in Greeneville, Erwin, and Jonesborough

The American Dental Association recommends a professional cleaning every six months, but certain circumstances and conditions might warrant receiving a cleaning more often—such as gum disease. Maybe you’ve let your schedule of regular dental appointments lapse. Maybe you’ve just moved to the area, and you are looking for a Greeneville dentist that accepts new patients. Whatever your situation, you can trust Tusculum Dental Care and our team of oral health professionals to provide the care you need. To find out more, call (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation today.