Since you were young, you’ve probably been reminded by your parents, babysitters, and health care providers, that it’s important to maintain a rigorous daily oral hygiene routine. You probably brush and floss at least twice a day, and you may use additional products such as mouthwashes and teeth whitening treatments to keep your smile sparkling and white. What you may not realize, however, is that no matter how diligent you are, at-home care simply is not enough to prevent dental decay and serious oral diseases. In order to maximize your oral health you need to combine your daily cleaning routine with semi-annual professional cleanings.

What Can a Dentist Do That I Can’t?

Dental cleanings use the latest technology and the expertise and experience of dental professionals to diagnose dental problems quickly, and treat them effectively and completely.

You brush plaque—a layer of bacteria-laden film—off of your teeth every day. But the plaque that you cannot reach turns into a substance called calculus. Calculus attracts more bacteria and it is mineralized on the teeth, leading to gum disease and cavities. Calculus can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning, no matter how much you brush and floss you won’t be able to get rid of it on your own.

Additionally, gum disease is often undetectable to patients until become a serious infection. A dental professional, however, can diagnose gum disease in its earliest stages, because it causes tooth and bone loss.

Another important service included in professional cleanings is an oral cancer screening. Our Westfield general dentists test for early signs of oral cancer including lump and bumps in the mouth, patches of diseased tissue, and tender mouth sores. Catching oral cancer early greatly improves a patients’ prognosis.

By partnering with a dentist, you can prevent dental decay and disease from destroying your smile and your health. Give our Westfield general dentists a call for more information or to talk about your situation in greater detail— (908) 543-3215.