Is it time to schedule your dental cleaning appointment?
We know you’re busy, and on your list of priorities, your teeth might be pretty low. But they shouldn’t be! Your teeth and mouth have a direct impact on your oral health. That means if you have poor oral health, you could also have chronic inflammation in other areas of your body, heart disease, and a weaker immune system as a result.
This is why regular dental cleaning appointments are so important. Dr. Russell Cureton, dentist in Salinas, CA, recommends dental cleanings every six months for most patients. If you suffer from chronic oral health issues, you may need to visit more often.
If it has been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, contact us today to schedule your appointment. Not sure if you really need a dental cleaning? Here are five signs that you do.
1. Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss
A little pink in the sink after you brush or floss isn’t normal. It is typically the first noticeable sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. This is a condition where the plaque along the gum line turns to tartar and begins to invade the gum tissue, creating small pockets below the gum line.
Bleeding gums often point to gum disease and should be addressed as soon as possible so that it does not progress. In the gingivitis stage, gum disease can be reversed with a regular or deep dental cleaning.
2. Red, Swollen Gums
Swollen gums could be a symptom of gum disease or that something is lodged in the gum tissue. Inflammation is a natural reaction to something foreign or unhealthy in our bodies. A dental cleaning and exam appointment can help determine the cause of the inflammation and treat it accordingly.
3. Persistent Bad Breath
Bad breath can ruin intimate moments, conversations, and your confidence. While it’s normal to experience bad breath occasionally, persistent bad breath that isn’t resolved by brushing and flossing can indicate there is an oral health issue at play.
4. Tooth Pain
If you have unexplained tooth pain or discomfort, a dentist can help! You wouldn’t put of a doctor’s appointment if you have constant back pain. Don’t put off a dentist appointment for tooth pain.
Tooth pain may be caused by dental sensitivity, a cavity, an abscess, or impacted wisdom teeth. Each of these issues requires professional dental care and can worsen without intervention. While a dental cleaning may not resolve the issue, these appointments provide the opportunity to examine and diagnose oral health problems.
5. Dental Stains
Dental stains don’t necessarily point to an oral health issue, but they can create a self-esteem issue. A regular dental cleaning can help keep your teeth pearly white by removing surface stains caused by drinking coffee, wine, and eating dark-colored foods. When a dental cleaning isn’t enough, ask about professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Schedule your dental cleaning with our Salinas, CA dentist!
If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, or if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our friendly dental team today at (831) 449-8363.