While you may be fastidious in your dental health at home, brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you still need to see your dental practitioner twice a year for dental examinations and thorough cleanings. The examination will include x-rays to see what is going on underneath the gums to make sure no cavities or other problems have formed since your last visit. You may think the cleaning is just overkill or done to whiten your teeth a bit. However, three are a number of reasons for the cleaning. Here are just a few of them.

Prevent Cavities

Not all cavities start above the gums. Small food particles can go below the gums and sit against the bottom half of a tooth and start to decay. The decaying particles attract bacteria, providing them with nourishment to grow. The bacteria will also eat the tooth enamel and form a cavity. While brushing and flossing remove the food particles from on and between your teeth, as well as under the gum, these actions do not reach the places a dental hygienist can reach during a cleaning.

Stop Tooth Loss

Any problem under the gums can weaken the jawbone holding the teeth in place. While you may not show any signs of plaque where you brush and floss, it is possible some has formed down lower. Plaque that grows down into the bone will also cause the tooth to become loose. A thorough cleaning helps to keep the bone strong so your teeth do not become loose and fall out.

Catch Health Problems

Some health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be caught in the early stages by a dentist. While performing the exam and cleaning, your dentist might see signs of other health problems. They will inform you of their findings so you can see your primary health practitioner to have the appropriate tests for a proper diagnosis. Catching a problem early allows you to take the proper measures to get things under control and have better overall health.

A simple checkup and teeth cleaning is not a big deal to have to endure. However, if you think you can miss one or more, it could end up meaning more intrusive procedures that can be a big deal. In addition, more procedures mean a higher bill. Save your teeth, your health, and your money by visiting your dental cleaning service every six months.