Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let dental appointments slide. Plus, it can be difficult to fit expenses like routine dental care into your budget. However, skipping a cleaning can have bigger consequences than you might think.
Regular dental cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy, help prevent costly problems, and even benefit your overall health. At Imagine Dental, we’re dedicated to keeping your smile healthy and strong (and your dental care expenses low) with check-ups and dental cleanings in Phoenix and Ahwatukee. Let’s talk about why these visits matter and what happens if you miss one.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings?
Getting your teeth cleaned isn’t just about having a fresh smile. It’s about keeping your mouth and body healthy. Here’s why regular cleanings are so important:
- Cavity Prevention: Cleanings remove the bacteria and plaque that lead to tooth decay. These check-ups also give our team an opportunity to diagnose cavities early, keeping needed treatments as conservative and affordable as possible.
- Healthier Gums: Plaque and tartar buildup can cause gum inflammation, the main cause of gum disease. Left untreated, this inflammation can damage the bone sockets and ligaments that keep your teeth in place.
- Fresher Breath: Bacteria in plaque can cause bad breath, and cleanings help keep it in check.
- Brighter Smile: Professional polishing removes surface stains, making your teeth look whiter.
- Better Overall Health: Studies show that gum disease is linked to heart disease and other health issues. Taking care of your teeth with regular dental cleanings can benefit your entire body!
Why Sticking to Your Recommended Cleaning Schedule Matters
Skipping a cleaning might not seem like a big deal, but plaque and tartar don’t take a break. Even if your teeth feel fine, problems could be developing under the surface.
The longer you leave deposits to build up or go without a proper diagnosis for developing issues, the more these issues will progress. That makes it more difficult (and expensive) to get you back to baseline later.
Skipping Cleanings Can Lead to Higher Dental Costs
We understand it can be hard to fit routine visits to the dentist into your budget. But staying on top of regular dental cleanings enables your dental team to diagnose and address issues like cavities, cracks, chips, and tartar buildup as early as possible.
Skipping regular dental cleanings and check-ups gives these problems more time to fly under the radar. That means a small cavity or developing crack that could have been treated with a simple filling may end up needing a crown or even root canal treatment, making your care much more expensive.
Staying on Top of Your Cleanings Prevents Damage to your Oral Health
As you can see, addressing dental health issues early is great for your wallet. But it’s also essential for your long-term oral health! While it might feel like overkill to see a dentist when everything feels good, it’s critical to preventing
Does Everyone Need to Get Their Teeth Cleaned Twice Per Year?
For most people, two cleanings a year are enough. But in some cases, you might benefit from more frequent visits. Here are a few reasons our team may recommend that you get cleanings every three or four months instead of every six.
1. You’re Getting Orthodontic Treatment
Braces and other orthodontic appliances can be very hard to keep clean. With traditional brackets and wires, it can feel almost impossible to floss. Even clear aligners keep your saliva, tongue, and cheeks from cleansing your teeth throughout the day like normal, so you might find yourself building up extra plaque and tartar. More frequent cleanings can help prevent overgrown gums and white spot lesions on your teeth.
2. You Have Certain Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions and medications can make it harder to keep your teeth and gums healthy. For example, people who take medication for epilepsy, people who are pregnant, and those with diabetes can benefit from an extra cleaning or two per year. Chronic dry mouth can also be a consideration, especially here in Arizona!
3. You Build Up Stains or Tartar Quickly
Some people tend to build up heavier plaque, tartar, and stains than others. This can have a lot to do with your diet, your home dental care habits, and even your genetics. It may also mean that two dental cleanings per year isn’t enough to keep your teeth healthy and looking great. Adding one or two extra cleanings to your routine can do wonders!
What to Do If You’ve Missed a Cleaning (or Several)
it’s been a while since your last cleaning, don’t worry—it’s never too late to get back on track! Here’s what you can do:
Give Your Smile Some TLC, Starting Now
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help maintain your oral health between visits. Even if you have already developed gum disease, improving your routine now can start to turn the situation around until you can get in for a dental cleaning!
Schedule and Appointment ASAP
The sooner you come in, the easier it will be to get you back to baseline and prevent bigger issues. As easy as that is to say, issues like dental anxiety can make it really difficult to take this step. If there is something holding you back from seeing a dentist, let us know when you call Imagine Dental. We’re happy to come up with a plan that helps you feel comfortable and confident getting the care you need.
Don’t Hesitate to Let Us Know About Any Issues
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, sensitivity, or pain, let our team know. We understand that many people feel ashamed of their dental health, especially if it’s been years since you last saw a dentist. Don’t worry. With us, you’re in a 100% judgement-free zone. We just want to help you feel better!
Give Your Smile the Care It Deserves with Dental Cleanings in Arizona!
Your smile is worth protecting, and regular dental cleanings in Phoenix and Ahwatukee are one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth healthy. If it’s been a while since your last visit, don’t wait. Schedule your cleaning at Imagine Dental today! Your future self will thank you.
