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Do I Really Need to Have My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

We know what you're thinking: Why visit the dentist every six months if you brush at least twice a day and floss, too? The short answer is that there is only so much that even the best brushing can do.

Our team at The Dental Touch provides individualized care in our state-of-the-art practice in Oakland, California. Over our careers, we've seen and treated a lot of dental issues. Here are the main reasons you shouldn't skip your professional teeth cleaning.

Plaque

Your mouth is a complex microbiome with more than 700 species of bacteria. After your gut, it contains the largest and most diverse microbiota in your body. That also means that the potentially harmful bacteria known as plaque is constantly forming a sticky film on your teeth and gums.

Plaque is a problem because it can eat your enamel - the hard, protective covering on your teeth - causing cavities. And, when you don't remove it with enough frequency, it hardens into tartar and puts you at risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

Brushing and flossing on your own is the first step at preventing plaque buildup. However, it can be difficult to eliminate it from every nook and cranny with good dental hygiene alone. And, once tartar forms, you need professional tools to remove it.

Going to the dentist for professional cleanings once or twice a year can help remove plaque and tartar and protect your oral health.

Your general health

Unfortunately, when you have harmful bacteria in your mouth, it doesn't stay there. In fact, poor oral health is directly linked with a variety of health conditions, ranging from pneumonia and pregnancy complications to heart disease and endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the endocardium (heart valves or chambers).

The health of your mouth can also provide clues to your overall health, too. In fact, signs of underlying medical conditions can show up in your mouth, including:

  • Eating disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Anemia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sjogren's syndrome
  • Osteoporosis
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Certain cancers

Your teeth can even provide evidence of sleep apnea, stress, or anxiety. Each of these conditions can lead to teeth grinding, which can cause tooth trauma.

Because your mouth can offer so much insight into your general health, it's crucial to see your dentist regularly for your cleanings. It's also important to mention any health changes or oral issues you've had since your last visit, like dry mouth and sores.

Based on your medical and oral health, we could even recommend more frequent visits to ensure your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible.

Don't jeopardize your oral or physical health by skipping your professional cleanings. Contact our office by calling 510-328-7799 or schedule a visit online today.

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Meet Our Doctors

Dennis Prat, DDS

General, Cosmetic, & Implant Dentistry

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Luis Romero, DDS

General, Cosmetic, & Implant Dentistry

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Our Services

We’re pleased to offer a wide range of dental services

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

A beautiful smile can be confidence booster and help in career growth. Many ...

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General Dentistry

General Dentistry

Oral care plays a crucial role in overall health of the person. The primary ...

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Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening

A beautiful smile can be confidence booster and help in career growth. Many ...

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Dental Veneers

Veneers

Veneers are artistically designed and custom-made by a highly skilled dental lab which are then cemented to the teeth to create straight, healthy looking, and beautiful teeth...

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Dental Implants

Dental Implants

When a tooth is lost the gap left behind initiates a cascade of dental problems ...

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Invisalign

Invisalign

A progressive approach to help you get even, straight teeth without noticeable.

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Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth

Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25.

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Other Services

Other Services

To know more on all the services we provide ...

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