The last few months have been very difficult for many people, as they deal with the realities of COVID-19. The lockdowns, and related isolation, have significantly altered the rhythms and routines of everyday life, including those of dental patients. While putting off cosmetic dental treatments is certainly understandable, there is a growing concern that patients are neglecting routine dental care like dental exams and cleanings that could lead to problems down the road.
According to the American Dental Association, you should be undergoing a minimum of two dental cleanings annually. Unfortunately, fewer people realize the importance of these routine cleanings to their oral health.
Let’s look at two reasons why it is important to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings.
Dental Cleanings Remove Plaque
During the time of COVID-19, many people have understandably changed their habits to cope with the situation. Human beings are social creatures. We need and crave contact with others. This sense of isolation has led some to load up on foods rich in sugars and carbohydrates. Although these sugary snacks can give you a temporary mood boost, they can also have a negative effect on your oral health.
Although keeping up with your regular oral hygiene habits at home is essential, it is not enough. Plaque cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. This sticky buildup can eat away at your tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.
Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove plaque. They do so using a special tool called a dental scaler. By scraping away plaque, your teeth will be completely cleaned down to the gum line. This helps to ensure that the health and strength of your teeth are preserved and that you lower the chances of developing significant dental problems in the future.
Dental Exams Detect Problems
Even though you are practicing proper oral hygiene, you may still find yourself dealing with certain dental complications. Our patients typically have concerns like cavities, dental damage and gingivitis. Fortunately, when these conditions are detected early, there is normally no lasting impact on the teeth or gums. The longer a dental condition goes undetected and untreated, the more likely it is that the problem will grow into a serious complication that could even result in tooth loss.
The tooth exams that accompany your regular dental cleanings allow your dental team an opportunity to see what is going on with your oral health. Often, we are able to detect problems before the patient even notices anything is wrong. This allows us to intervene early with an effective treatment plan to help preserve the health of your smile.
Schedule Your Dental Exam and Cleaning
Have you been putting off appointments for your regular dental exams or cleanings for yourself or your family? Our office has taken every measure to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff during this difficult time.
Please contact us today to get back on track with your regular dental exams and dental cleanings. We have multiple locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.
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