Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: Why should you get your teeth cleaning done regularly?

Why are teeth cleaning so important?

Brushing and flossing regularly is great for oral hygiene. But is it enough to maintain perfectly healthy teeth and gums? Despite an excellent oral hygiene routine, it is quite common to miss cleaning certain areas of the mouth leading to plaque that then hardens into tartar or calculus. These hard substances produce toxins that inflame and infect the gums leading to gum diseases, cavities, bad breath, and loss of teeth. Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, a dentist in Duncan SC, talks about the various benefits of teeth cleaning in the blog below.

Regular dental cleanings are an indispensable part of oral hygiene and overall health. Here’s how teeth cleanings can be beneficial:

Prevents gum disease - Regular teeth cleaning helps detect and prevent issues at an early stage. In the absence of regular cleanings, most people develop gum diseases of some form during their lifetimes. During its initial stages, called gingivitis, gum disease causes gums to become red and inflamed, allowing small pockets to form around the teeth. This invites more bacteria, food, and plaque to get in and further inflame the gums. Moreover, the gums start bleeding slightly whenever brushed or flossed. Left untreated, this gum disease escalates into a much more serious problem called periodontitis. Periodontitis slowly destroys gums and other vital structures surrounding the teeth, including ligaments and bone.

Minimizes bad breath - The white hardened plaque, brown tartar, and dental stains are composed of bacteria that cannot be removed with just brushing and flossing. The result of this problem left unaddressed is bad breath that no amount of mints or gum can help with. Those struggling with bad breath can find relief by getting regular teeth cleaning sessions.

Detects oral cancer early- Regular teeth cleaning sessions are also a time when any abnormalities can be detected. Early detection is key to curing oral cancer or other issues in time. Therefore, teeth cleanings are an effective preventative method for oral cancer.

Lowers risk of serious health conditions - Gum diseases often lead to bleeding gums. When bacteria from the bleeding gums enter the bloodstream, it causes inflammation in the body. This impacts systemic health and directly or indirectly leads to other health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart problems. Good oral hygiene has been linked to a healthier cardiovascular system as well as a lower risk of diabetes and other similar illnesses.

Reduces risk of cavities - A buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth attracts a lot of bacteria. Cavities are caused by bacteria and generally require dental intervention. Routine teeth cleaning helps remove the plaque, tartar, and bad bacteria, minimizing the chances of getting any cavities in the future.

Detects a bad bite or TMJ - Poor oral hygiene can compromise the health of the jawbone and teeth, leading to periodontitis. As the jaw and teeth fall out of line, it leads to maladjustments to the natural bite of the teeth, facial muscle spasms, sinus pain, headaches or migraines, and even throbbing pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Left unaddressed, it can also produce TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders). The symptoms of TMJ are pain, grinding or clicking in the joints of the jaw, difficulty or discomfort with opening and closing the mouth, and buzzing and ringing in the ears. All this further leads to sleep loss, eating disorders, communication problems, and more. Dental cleaning appointments ensure that everything looks healthy and functional, and any signs of problems with the jaw can be addressed immediately and effectively.

As per Dr. Keels, teeth cleaning is a necessity every 6 months while a full professional dental hygiene appointment is necessary approximately 2 times per year.

Why Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry?

With his philosophy of “Treat others as you want to be treated", Dr. Keels offers the highest quality dental care to his patients in Duncan, SC, and surrounding areas. The Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry aims to not only identify and treat the symptoms of dental issues, but also the root of the problem faced by the patients.

Its experienced dentists offer comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. Its wide range of services includes routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures. The clinic also offers cosmetic dentistry services and sleep apnea treatment.