The Importance of Getting a Routine Dental Cleaning, Explained

In the US, 26% of adults have tooth decay, and almost half of adults show signs of gum disease. These conditions can lead to permanent tooth loss and severe infections if left untreated.

However, they're also entirely preventable if you have a routine dental cleaning every six months. It's all too easy to overlook the importance of getting regular cleanings. You likely don't realize how much missing your cleanings not only impacts your dental health but your overall health too.

If it's been over six months since you've had a cleaning, it's time to see a Dentist in Friendswood, TX, for a checkup.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dental cleanings and see why they're so important for your health and well-being.

What You Can Expect From a Teeth Cleaning

Many people don't realize what general dental cleanings involve. If you don't understand exactly what a cleaning entails, it's easy to overlook its importance to your dental health.

Before the cleaning begins, your dentist will examine your neck and jaw area to ensure there aren't any noticeable irregularities. Next, they'll begin examining your teeth. Your dentist will check for cavities, missing or broken teeth, gum disease, and signs of oral cancer.

For the cleaning, dentists use special tools to remove the tartar and plaque build-up from the surface of your teeth. After a professional polish and floss, you'll also get recommendations on how to improve your oral hygiene routine.

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

You should visit your dentist to get your teeth cleaned at least every six months in order to maintain good dental health. If you have extensive tooth decay or severe gum disease, your dentist might recommend you have cleanings every three months.

The Importance of Routine Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings are essential and a crucial part of your oral hygiene routine. It's important to realize that your dental health is linked to your overall health in many ways.

Missing or decaying teeth lead to trouble chewing food, problems with nutrition, and even problems with your speech. Healthy teeth are also important for communication, your relationships, and even when you have to interview for a job.

If you don't care for your dental health, you'll also be at risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Some of the main benefits of routine dental cleanings include:

Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease

Good oral hygiene is crucial to your heart health, and regularly visiting the dentist lowers your heart disease risk. In fact, going for regular cleanings at least twice a year can reduce your risk by 14%.

You can also reduce your risk even further between your scheduled cleanings by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once daily.

Lowers Your Risk of Diabetes

Inflammation plays a huge role in the development of diabetes, and your oral health plays a big part in the overall inflammation present in your body.

Poor oral hygiene leads to an overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth, causing gum tissue inflammation. This weakens your body's ability to use insulin properly and control your blood sugar effectively.

High blood sugar levels in your body also encourage more bacteria to grow, worsening the problem. As a result, diabetes increases your risk of developing both gum disease and tooth decay.

Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease or periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages your gums, and if it isn't caught early, it can destroy your jawbone and lead to tooth loss. Sometimes, this infection can spread to your bloodstream and cause a severe life-threatening infection.

Gum disease is also linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, respiratory disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Staying consistent with regular dental cleanings is the best way to prevent or catch gum disease in its early stages.

Detects Oral Cancer Early

Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, such as the lips, tongue, gums, and also the roof of the mouth or under the tongue. It usually first appears as a sore that doesn't heal, a lump, or as white patches, and you won't always notice any symptoms at first.

Oral cancer screenings are done at every cleaning, so regular cleanings are necessary to catch this cancer in its early stages.

Prevents Cavities and Tooth Loss

Cavities are caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar around your gums, which increases the number of bacteria that are present in your mouth.

If you allow the plaque and tartar to build up over time, your teeth will decay more, eventually leading to tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings ensure that cavities are caught early and treated before any permanent damage occurs.

Improves Bad Breath

Almost 30% of people in the US have bad breath, also known as halitosis. Not only can it make social situations awkward, but it's a significant clue that your oral health isn't where it should be.

Bad breath can be a temporary problem caused by the types of foods and drinks you consume, like garlic or coffee. However, the most common cause of bad breath occurs from poor oral health. The build-up of plaque, tartar, and gum disease can all contribute to bad breath on a regular basis.

Visiting your dentist regularly for a dental cleaning will keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh.

Get a Routine Dental Cleaning Today

Now that you know the benefits of dental checkups, you can get into a better routine by scheduling a routine dental cleaning today.

If you're looking for a dentist in Friendswood, TX, for you or your children, it's time to turn to Dentistry 4 Children. We offer routine cleanings and general dentistry services for both adults and children.

We also offer cosmetic dentistry services and orthodontics to meet all of your dental care needs. We look forward to helping you improve your dental health, so make sure you contact us today to schedule your dental cleaning!

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A little girl is sitting in a dental chair being examined by a dentist.

First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.