No matter how good you take care of your teeth, over time plaque will begin to form on them. This yellow deposit is not only unpleasant looking but also leads to decay over time. This means cavities and worse. You also have a higher chance of gum disease without regular cleanings.

So, what is a cleaning? What is a checkup? Why do you need them?

What is a Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is the process of a dentist removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, brushing your teeth using a special toothpaste, flossing your teeth and gums, rinsing your mouth, and applying fluoride treatment. While you likely brush your teeth and floss at home, your dentist will do so with special materials and a higher level of expertise. Once you leave the office, your teeth will be healthier and whiter.

What is a Checkup?

The other part of a regular cleaning and checkup is the checkup portion. Here, your dentist will perform a physical exam to check for any issues with the teeth and gums. They will look for inflamed gums and other signs of gingivitis. They may also do x-rays of your teeth.

Checkups are important, as they help the dentist to find any oral health issues and treat them. The earlier these issues can be addressed, the better. That’s why it’s so important to get a checkup every six months.

Why a Cleaning and Checkup?

There are a lot of advantages to getting regular cleanings and checkups. Some of these benefits include:

Healthy Gums

Your gums are extremely important to your overall oral health. They help with keeping your teeth in place. Without regular cleanings and checkups, your gums can get worse over time. This generally means gum disease. Once the disease has progressed from gingivitis to periodontitis, the issue becomes much more severe. Teeth may become loose and even fall out. In order to avoid tooth loss, inflammation, gum bleeding, and other issues that come with gum disease, make sure you take proper care of your gums. This includes scheduling an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. They will ensure your gums are healthy and will diagnose gum disease if you have it. From there, the problem can be addressed.

Early Cancer Detection

Just like with other areas of the body, your mouth can develop cancer. You want to catch this early on. With a regular cleaning and checkup, your dentist can check for signs of oral cancer and diagnose it. They can then take action to address the cancer.

Healthier Teeth

It’s paramount that your teeth stay healthy and functional. Some people regularly brush, floss, and rinse like they are supposed to. This is great! It doesn’t mean there is a zero percent chance of cavities, though. Those that don’t regularly brush, floss, and rinse have a greater risk of cavities.

When you go to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup, they will remove the plaque and tartar buildup that is damaging your teeth. They will also check for signs of tooth decay. If they notice a cavity, they can repair it. If the issue has gotten worse (often due to skipping appointments to the dentist), a root canal procedure may need to be performed to save the tooth.

With regular cleanings and checkups, you significantly decrease the chances of oral health issues and damage to your teeth.

A Whiter Smile

Everyone likes having a bright, white smile! You may be using whitening toothpaste at home and other solutions, but you may not be treating the root of the problem. Regular trips to the dentist will help to keep your smile white. This allows you to smile wide without feeling self-conscious, which can actually improve your mood!

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Something that people don’t realize is that unhealthy gums actually raise the risk for heart disease. Visiting the dentist regularly will help to keep your gums healthy. In turn, you lower the chances of heart disease.

How Much is a Cleaning?

Now that you know you need a cleaning, you are likely wondering about the cost. The real answer is that it varies due to a few factors. With that said, you can expect to pay around $75-$200 without insurance.

Dental insurance will significantly decrease the cost of cleanings and checkups. Speak with our front office and let them know what kind of insurance you have. From there we can check and see if you are covered, and what percentage is covered.

Contact Us Today!

If you need to schedule a cleaning and checkup, reach out today! We’d be happy to answer any additional questions you may have and get you scheduled for an appointment.

Don’t wait! Stop plaque and gum disease by visiting your dentist for a cleaning and checkup.