Regular dental cleanings are an important part of your oral healthcare. Discover 5 ways dental cleanings affect your health with this guide.

Oral health is more important than some people realize. Seeing your dentist in South Philadelphia, PA is about more than just maintaining a bright, white smile.

Regular dental cleanings help prevent oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay or loss.

Science also suggests that poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health complications including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.



If this isn't reason enough, keep reading to discover 5 more compelling reasons to schedule regular dental cleanings every year.

1. Oral Cancer Screens

Over 54,000 adults are diagnosed with oral cancer annually with men being at a greater risk than women. As with any cancer, early detection is key.

When you skip routine dental cleanings, you're putting your health at risk. Most dentists perform oral cancer screenings as part of your annual visit. 



Oral cancer screenings are painless and only take a few minutes. The dentist will check inside your mouth for white or red patches and mouth sores. They may also feel inside your mouth (with gloved hands) to check for any abnormalities and check your neck and throat for lumps. 

2. Maintain Good Physical Health

When discussing physical health, most people think of eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. While these are important, oral hygiene also plays a crucial role.

As previously mentioned, poor oral health can compromise your heart and other major organs. You may find yourself at greater risk of having a stroke, developing diabetes, or suffering from heart disease.

But, what's the connection?

A recent study found that people with gum disease (periodontitis), are twice as likely to have a stroke than those with healthy gums. When your gums bleed and become inflamed, it alters how oxygen and blood flow to the brain.

Poor dental health also increases your risk of contracting a bacterial infection. This can enter your bloodstream, negatively affecting your heart. Scheduling routine dental cleanings are especially important for patients with artificial heart valves. 



Studies suggest that tooth loss is also associated with coronary artery disease.

3. Keep Your Teeth

There have been countless studies done on the connection between a beautiful smile and self-esteem. Not only does a straight, white smile increase your confidence, but it may also increase your happiness in everyday life.

If you want to show the world your gorgeous smile, you need to practice good oral hygiene. Tooth loss affects 1 in 4 people, with some patients not even realizing they have untreated tooth decay.



An experienced dentist in South Philadelphia, PA can perform deep dental cleanings to help you maintain your beautiful smile. 

Tooth loss is caused by various things but most are associated with gum disease, including tooth decay and receding gums. Cavities and aging are also risk factors.

Tooth loss makes it difficult to speak, eat, and smile confidently. The good news is that there are plenty of options for replacing missing or decayed teeth like dental implants and dentures.

Preventative methods include brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and scheduling regular dental cleanings and check-ups.

4. Detect Complications Early

The sooner you detect an oral issue, the sooner you can treat it and prevent further complications. Most issues like small cavities, broken fillings, or early signs of gum disease are easily treatable.

Undetected, these minor issues can lead to more serious conditions that require invasive procedures like a root canal or surgery. You may even need to have your teeth pulled if the issue goes on for too long.

During a routine dental cleaning, your dentist will check for any obvious issues on your teeth, tongue, and gums. Next, they'll remove any plaque using a small metal scraper. This is painless and feels like a "scratching" on the surface of your tooth.

After this, they'll use one of several methods to deep clean your teeth and remove excess plaque and debris from between your teeth and along your gumline. The dentist may also require X-rays to check for any issues with your jaw. X-rays can also show early signs of tooth decay between your teeth or beneath existing fillings.



Waiting too long between dental cleanings gives these minor issues time to grow and worsen. When this happens, your treatment options become increasingly limited. 

5. Boost Your Confidence

Who doesn't want a bright, white smile and minty fresh breath? During your dental cleaning, the dentist will remove plaque and stains caused by everyday things like coffee, tea, and tobacco.

Many dentists also offer teeth whitening services and other cosmetic procedures to correct your smile and renew your self-confidence. 

Did you know that 50% of people have persistent bad breath? This is another oral issue that can diminish your self-esteem. Some of the main causes of bad breath include:

• Bacterial infections
• Certain medications
• Postnasal drip
• Acid reflux
• Poor dental hygiene (not brushing or flossing regularly)
• Gum disease 



Brushing your teeth and tongue, flossing, and scheduling regular dental cleanings can all help reduce and prevent bad breath. 

Schedule Your Dental Cleanings Now

It's never too late to start investing in your oral health. In fact, the sooner you do, the more likely you are to live a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

Your oral health directly affects your physical health, confidence, and overall happiness. The American Dental Association recommends you get your teeth cleaned at least once a year. People with prior issues or complications should see their dentist in South Philadelphia, PA every six months.

If you're a new patient in the area, click here for more information on the services we offer and how we can help you achieve the smile you've always dreamed of. 



You can also check out our complete list of services to ensure we have the treatment you need.