Why You Need a Biannual Dental Cleaning

Why You Need a Biannual Dental Cleaning

At-home oral hygiene is crucial for obvious reasons, but regular professional dental cleaning is equally important. Dr. Richard Morgan is a dentist at Ashcraft Morgan Dental in Russellville, AR. He is dedicated to educating patients about oral hygiene.

The Importance of Dental Cleaning

Even though you may do a great job of taking care of your teeth, brushing, and flossing daily, you still need to go to your dentist’s office for those biannual dental cleanings. Russellville dental patients who miss one or both of their six-month cleanings increase their risk of tooth decay and gum disease. No matter how careful you are with your oral hygiene at home, without professional cleaning, plaque and tartar can still build up on your teeth and around your gums.

In-chair dental cleaning allows your dental hygienist to reach the areas in your mouth that are difficult for your to reach at home, such as between your teeth and at the back of your mouth. These spots are particularly vulnerable to the build-up of plaque and tartar. Without regular dental cleanings, tartar can cause your tooth enamel to erode and your gums to become inflamed. Eventually, this will lead to bone erosion and tooth loss.

What Will Happen at Your Dental Cleaning?

When you go for your biannual cleaning, you will have a thorough examination that checks for tooth decay, gum disease, and signs of oral cancer. Your dental hygienist will then use specially designed instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. She will then floss your teeth and polish the surface of your teeth to remove any surface stains.

If you live in or around Russellville, AR and you would like to schedule your biannual dental cleaning appointments, call Dr. Morgan at 479-968-1470.