The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleaning

Here are a few interesting statistics from the American Dental Association (ADA) about brushing and flossing practices:

• Approximately 31 percent of Americans floss their teeth less than once a day
• Approximately 46 percent of American women do not brush their teeth twice a day
• Approximately 51 percent of American men do not brush their teeth twice a day

If you’re not a part of those numbers because you practice the ADA guidelines to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day, then congratulations – you’re on your way to excellent preventive oral health.

What These Numbers May Mean for Your Oral Health

We’re not going to bury you in numbers, but there is one more statistic that may explain why regular teeth cleaning, including professional teeth cleaning from a dentist near you in Columbia such as We Care Dental, is important to your health: about half of all Americans – both men and women – between the ages of 35 and 44 have a condition known as gingivitis. That means that there is a percentage of the population who do practice diligent oral health care at home who are still prone to gum disease.

Stay Ahead of Gum Disease

Gum disease is the number one cause of many conditions that most people want to steer clear of. These include chronic bad breath, tender, and bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose or sensitive teeth, and receding gum lines.

The surest way to stay ahead of the condition is to not only adhere to the guidelines set forth by the ADA to brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time, but to also follow their recommendation to have a professional teeth cleaning from a dentist at least once a year – and twice a year if you’re already experiencing any of the above symptoms.

A Final Note

We can’t close this article without making a final note about one of the first signs that you may detect at home that it’s time for a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning appointment. That red flag is bleeding from your gums. If you experience any bleeding from your mouth when you brush or floss, your body is sending you a signal that your gums need attention.