What Can Happen If You Don't Have Annual Dental Cleanings?

Professional dental cleanings are a viable part of your preventive oral care routine. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist for a routine dental cleaning at least once every six months. Without regular teeth cleanings, plaque and tartar can build up between the teeth, eventually leading to tooth decay, periodontal disease, and more. Even when you take care of your teeth and have good oral hygiene, it's essential to have biannual dental cleanings and exams. Unfortunately, many people tend to forgo their routine dental visits.

At Byers Station Dental, we look for signs of gum disease or tooth decay at your visit. When these issues are detected early on, patients can keep their teeth and gums healthy. Learn more from Byers Station Dental, or feel free to contact our office in Chester Springs, PA to schedule an appointment.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Chester Springs, PA patients who fully understand what to expect with this hour-long treatment are more likely to have a stress-free experience while improving their oral health. Preventive dental cleanings are essential because harmful plaque and tartar buildup is removed while any signs of gingivitis, tooth decay, oral cancer, periodontal disease, and more can be detected. Regular cleanings every six months can help detect oral problems before they get worse.

Is a routine dental check-up important for your oral health?

Biannual dental cleanings allow our team to remove tartar and plaque and to polish your tooth enamel for a whiter, brighter smile. A professional cleaning every six months keeps your teeth and gums healthy with the following:

• Detecting signs of gingivitis or gum disease, reversing the effect of this oral infection
• Detecting signs of oral cancer by screening the lips, tongue, mouth, and even lymph nodes
• Removing stains, and plaque and tartar buildup for a whiter, brighter smile
• Treating tooth decay to prevent tooth loss
• Lowering a person's risk of stroke, heart disease, and more by improving their oral health
• Helping patients avoid more extensive and costly dental procedures in the future

Does insurance cover oral prophylaxis appointments?

Most dental plans cover biannual dental cleanings. We will review your insurance coverage and let you know your financial obligations beforehand. If you don't have dental insurance, we offer a patient loyalty program or affordable payment options. A professional dental cleaning usually takes about an hour or less and should be performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. It is a procedure that generally consists of the following:

• Dental x-rays (usually once a year)
• Scale and clean to remove tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth and gumline
• Polishing and flossing
• Fluoride treatment (if needed)

Do you need to schedule a routine dental checkup and cleaning?

Most insurance providers will cover a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. The dental experts at Byers Station Dental genuinely care about your dental health. Our practice in Chester Springs, PA, offers cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry procedures so you can have a great smile. If you need a routine dental checkup and cleaning, contact our dental practice and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today.