Why Annual Dental Cleanings Are Important for Overall Health

Getting your teeth cleaned keeps your mouth healthy and your smile looking great, but annual dental cleanings can also improve your overall health. Here are a few examples of how your overall health is related to annual dental cleanings.

 

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is also known as gingivitis. Your gums get inflamed and, if not taken care of, can lead to periodontal disease. Gingivitis is due to the build-up of tartar and plaque that form on your teeth and gum line. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you may have gingivitis.

Regular dental cleanings lead to the prevention of periodontal disease. If you are suffering from gingivitis, you and your dental team can resolve the issues or stop them from progressing to periodontal disease.

 

Heart Attack and Stroke

If the bacteria between your gums and teeth make their way into your bloodstream, you could be looking at other potential health issues like a heart attack or a stroke. Cleaning your teeth keeps these bacteria to a minimum, therefore further preventing these types of health problems.

Studies have shown a correlation between dental cleanings and a reduced risk of heart attack or stroke. As the cleanings reduce inflammation along your gum line, it also improves the way your blood vessels function as they move blood throughout your body.

 

Preventing Diabetes

Did you know that diabetes and gum disease seem to be related? People that live with gum disease are, in fact, more susceptible to diabetes later. The worse gum disease gets, the harder it is to maintain and control blood sugar levels.

The result is a gradual onset of diabetes. If you go and see a dentist at recommended intervals, you will get the tartar and plaque scraped off your teeth, which all contribute to a better chance of reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

 

Cavity Prevention and Bad Breath

Cavities happen when the tooth enamel wears away on your teeth. Plaque and tartar gradually cause problems with your tooth enamel which leads to weakened spots on your teeth. If you do not take care of these issues, you are a likely candidate for cavities in the future.

Bad breath is also a result of tooth decay as it results in a putrid smell as the calcium in teeth breaks down. If you see a dentist regularly for cleanings, you will not only help to prevent cavities, but you will also lessen lousy breath.

 

Low Birth Weight

You likely never expected that not having regular cleanings could result in premature birth or low birth weight at delivery. If you or someone you know is expecting, you need to ensure that dental health is taken care of by regular cleanings.

When you are pregnant, sometimes things like dental cleanings can cause you to feel nauseous, so be upfront with your dentist if you are already pregnant. If you are pregnant and concerned, you will want to get a cleaning as soon as you can for the health of your unborn baby.

Dental health is vital at any stage of life. Call us at 703-260-9600 to book a cleaning at Courthouse Art of Dentistry at our location in Arlington, Virginia.