Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Regular dental checkups should occur every six months to minimize oral health damage. Unfortunately, many people skip their appointments for multiple reasons, from the cost of services to the lack of dental insurance. Additionally, busy daily schedules that include personal and professional obligations may sometimes take precedence. However, no matter how long ago you last visited your dentist, starting with a professional teeth cleaning is the best step in taking control of your oral health and getting it back on track. Our Greeneville family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share on the blog today what bi-annual dental cleanings mean for your oral health and how these visits impact your overall health and wellness.
Why do I need bi-annual dental visits?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), receiving a dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning every six months for optimal oral health is best. During the cleaning appointment, we remove bacteria and plaque buildup along the gumline and between your teeth during your dental hygiene appointment. These areas harbor food debris and harmful bacteria that can be challenging to remove with a toothbrush or floss, even for the most detailed brusher and flosser. Furthermore, as we clean and inspect your teeth, it can help us uncover problem areas needing treatment unseen by the eye.
How do bi-annual dental visits help improve my oral health?
Untreated teeth and gums will deteriorate due to the extensive plaque buildup and harmful bacterial presence, eventually resulting in gum disease. Patients who experience bleeding when brushing or flossing may have gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease that causes gum inflammation and bleeding. Our Jonesboro family dentists explain that receiving a professional cleaning and continued at-home oral care can reverse gingivitis symptoms in many cases. However, when left untreated, gingivitis progresses and causes bacterial pockets to form between your gums and teeth, resulting in permanent gum and connective tissue damage. Therefore, when you visit our office for a checkup and cleaning, you can relax knowing the harmful substances are gone.
What happens when I avoid bi-annual dental visits?
Skipping the occasional dental cleaning appointment is not the end of the world but is highly discouraged by our Erwin dentists. However, avoiding dental visits can have adverse oral and overall health effects such as plaque and harmful bacteria that increase in your mouth and bloodstream. As toxic substances accumulate, gum disease conditions worsen, resulting in possible tooth and jawbone loss, also known as periodontitis, an incurable disease. Furthermore, the dangerous bacteria could enter your bloodstream and may result in an increased risk for a heart attack, stroke, or diabetes.
Family Dentists in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Ignoring or skipping regular oral health care appointments is not advisable and could negatively affect your smile and put your health at risk. Fortunately, when you visit our friendly Greeneville dentists, we can help remove harmful substances from your teeth and gums and establish a treatment plan to restore your oral health. Then, you can continue to protect your smile and overall health and wellness. Feel free to contact Tusculum Dental Care to schedule an appointment by calling (423) 639-7575 or contact us online.