The Importance of Regular Checkups and Cleanings
For decades, the American Dental Association has recommended that patients see their dentist every six months for a complete dental examination and teeth cleaning. Encinitas, CA area dentist, Dr. Claudia B. Cortadi, emphasizes the importance of these routine visits. Regular cleanings and checkups are incredibly vital to ensure certain conditions are caught early on—and treated—before they become a more severe or damaging condition. At Ablantis Dental, we educate patients on the importance of these regular visits in maintaining oral health and wellness.
Why do I need professional teeth cleaning?
Encinitas area patients will often ask Dr. Claudia B. Cortadi of Ablantis Dental why these regular cleanings are needed. Even if patients brush and floss their teeth after every meal, some areas are often hard to reach. With a professional cleaning performed by a dental hygienist, patients can ensure that their smile is healthy and clean. Additionally, these cleanings are an excellent time for the team to evaluate the health of the teeth and gums and report any concerns to the dentist for further evaluation.
Why is gum health important?
While there is often a lot of talk about natural teeth and cavities, patients don’t always think about their gums. The gums frame the smile, and if an infection develops, it can wreak havoc on these soft tissues. Infection of the gums, known as “gum disease” or “periodontal disease,” impacts the health of the smile—and the body. The infection starts with poor oral health habits, and bacteria can develop between the gums and teeth. Without a proper diagnosis and effective treatment, patients are at risk of severe damage to the gums, bone, and teeth—including permanent loss. Additionally, continual studies show that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease can spread through the bloodstream and affect other organs of the body. Patients with periodontal disease may be at a much higher risk of experiencing:
- Preterm labor and small birth weight for pregnant women
- Herat attacks or heart disease
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Rheumatoid arthritis
This is because of the oral-systemic connection. Periodontal disease can cause inflammation, not only in the mouth but throughout the body. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can also lead to an increased risk of periodontal disease if blood sugar levels are not properly maintained with medications. The earlier this disease is caught and treated, the healthier the smile—and the body—will be!
Is there a cost to regular dental cleanings and evaluations?
Cost is one of many reasons why patients often avoid seeing the dentist regularly. However, patients who have dental insurance will find that these visits are often covered in full by their benefits. Even dental insurance companies know how vital these cleanings and evaluations can be in avoiding more expensive treatments in the future. Proactive dental care can save dental insurance companies and their patients money, time, and energy.
Are you in need of a routine dental checkup? Are you looking for dental cleaning “near me” in the 92024 zip code?
We understand that costs, anxiety, and fear of extensive dental work often keep patients from visiting their dentist on a regular basis. However, our dentist in Encinitas, CA, encourages patients to be proactive about their dental health to significantly reduce their risk of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay, damaging the smile. If you live in the area of Encinitas and need a dental cleaning and evaluation, call (760) 334-0128 to request an appointment with Dr. Claudia B. Cortadi. The team at Ablantis Dental can assist with general, cosmetic, and restorative treatments for new and established patients and families.
