Why Biannual Dental Cleanings Are the Key to Preventing Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Prevention is the best defense when it comes to protecting your teeth from cavities and gum disease. An optimal oral hygiene routine that includes brushing after meals and flossing at least once a day is essential to protecting your oral health. But the fact is, regular checkups and dental cleanings are also an important part of the equation.

At Scott Young, DDS, our general dentists and support team offer cosmetic and general dentistry services at our office in The Woodlands, Texas. 

Why brushing and flossing alone are not enough to prevent gum disease

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends biannual dental cleanings and checkups. Even with a good daily oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing at home can only do so much. In addition to a thorough dental cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup between your teeth and beneath your gums where your toothbrush can’t reach, our general dentists also check for early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.

Biannual dental cleanings protect your oral health and save you from more invasive dental work in the future. Gum disease, which is still the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, is treatable and reversible when caught early. 

First signs of gum disease

The first stage of periodontal (gum) disease is gingivitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the gums. The most common sign of gingivitis is bleeding gums.

When left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a condition that causes permanent damage to the bone and soft tissues that support your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is late stage gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other oral and general health risks. 

Unfortunately, many people don’t go to the dentist until something is wrong, increasing the risk of advanced tooth decay and gum disease. You might not experience symptoms of gum disease right away. But if you schedule biannual dental cleanings with our general dentists, our team can spot and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease before it progresses. 

Your oral health is an important part of your overall health and well-being, and general dentistry services like biannual cleanings and checkups are the key to prevention and early detection.

For more information about healthy oral hygiene habits and how to lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, contact us to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our general dentists at our office in The Woodlands, Texas, online.