Dental cleanings often fall by the wayside when it comes to personal hygiene. You brush twice a day and floss when you get around to it. So what's the big rush to schedule that appointment?

Besides, dental cleaning is expensive, and you'd rather use that money on something else. Right?

Wrong. Regular dental cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health. And if you don't have any significant risk factors, all it takes is a trip one time per year!

That's not a lot to ask for optimum health. But if you need more reason, here are 10 for why you need to schedule an appointment with Q&A Dental Care today.

1. Remove Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If it's not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove without a teeth cleaning procedure. Plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

2. Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that affects the tissues and bones that support your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar.

Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene habits include brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. Periodontitis is usually caused by a combination of plaque and tartar buildup, as well as inflammation.

Regular dental care can help remove the plaque and tartar that contribute to gum disease.

3. Avoid Cavities

Cavities are holes in your teeth that are caused by tooth decay. They can be painful and lead to other problems if they're not treated promptly.

When you have a cavity, it's important to have it filled as soon as possible. If you leave a cavity untreated, it will continue to grow larger and deeper.

The bacteria that cause cavities can also spread to other teeth, increasing your risk of developing more cavities. In addition, cavities can lead to tooth decay, which can eventually cause your tooth to fall out.

Furthermore, leaving a cavity untreated can be painful, as the bacteria can cause an infection in your tooth. Regular dental cleanings can help remove the plaque and tartar that cause cavities.

4. Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by plaque and tartar teeth build-up on the teeth. Regular dental cleanings can help remove these culprits and give you fresher breath.

This can result in both professional and personal benefits. Pleasant people tend to get noticed more for their work, as well as attract friends and relationship partners. 

5. Catch Oral Health Problems Early

Many oral health problems do not have symptoms in their early stages. This means they can go undetected until they become more serious and more difficult (and expensive) to treat. Dental cleanings give your dentist a chance to spot problems early so they can be treated before they become serious.

6. Save Money in the Long Run

Dental cleanings may seem like an unnecessary expense, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing oral health problems that would require more extensive and expensive treatment down the road. Furthermore, most dental insurance coverages will pick up at least one cleaning per year without any out-of-pocket from the patient. 

7. Improve Your Overall Health

Oral health is linked to overall health; therefore, maintaining good oral health can help improve your overall health and well-being. For example, studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Other studies have linked poor oral health to respiratory infections, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer. So, taking care of your teeth isn't just good for your mouth; it is suitable for your whole body.

8. Boost Self-Esteem

Having healthy, sparkling teeth can do wonders for your self-confidence. A beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice about others, so it is no surprise that having healthy teeth can make you feel better about yourself.

And when you feel better about yourself, you are more likely to exude confidence in all areas of your life. from work and school projects to personal relationships.

9. Keep Your Teeth

Just as our bodies age and require more care as we get older, so do our teeth. As we age, our enamel wears down, making our teeth more susceptible to decay and other problems.

Additionally, many seniors experience dry mouth due to medications or other health conditions, which further increases the risk of tooth decay. Regular dental visits will help ensure that your teeth stay healthy as you age so you can enjoy them for years to come.

10. Because It Is Recommended

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone visit their dentist at least once a year for a professional cleaning and checkup. Regular brushing is just not enough to ensure those hard-to-reach areas receive the necessary attention.

And when it comes to flossing, be honest with yourself. You probably don't remember to do it every day, do you?

Even if you do, there's your technique to consider. Are you really getting to those back molars the way you should be? 

Searching For Quality Dental Cleanings or a Dentist in Macedonia OH?

There's no question about it: regular dental cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health. Not only do they help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

But they also allow dental professionals to catch oral health problems early when they are most easily treated. So if it is been a while since you've seen your dentist, make an appointment today! Your smile will thank you! Contact Q&A Dental Care today to book your appointment!