Living a healthy Los Angeles lifestyle? Don’t brush off regular teeth cleaning services

Los Angeles is known for its dedication to fitness. From freerunners to tahini fanatics, you don’t have to look very far to find people who are extremely proactive when it comes to maintaining a regimen of rigorous exercise and healthy eating.

But, it could all be for naught if you don’t take care of the gateway to your body – your mouth. You need to be as committed to brushing, flossing, and seeking professional teeth cleaning services as you are to your daily workout.

The mouth-body connection

Over the past decade, more and more researchers have taken a keen interest in the connection between the health of our mouths and the health of our bodies. While many studies are still inconclusive, there is mounting evidence that the bacteria building up on your teeth from the foods you eat could be a risk factor for diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

The bacteria in your mouth can make your gums prone to infection. The resulting inflammation may lead to gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a severe condition in which the chemicals produced by infection eat away at the gums and bone supporting your teeth.

This is alarming when you consider the following statistics from the American Dental Association: nearly a third of Americans brush their teeth only half as much as they should, and 20 percent never floss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 36 percent of Americans ages 18-64 did not visit a dentist last year.

Actual Patient Results

Three reasons you want to keep those teeth cleaning appointments

Maybe you’re thinking, “I brush. I floss. I rarely have cavities. Do I really need to have my teeth cleaned every six months?” If so, consider these three reasons why you shouldn’t brush off regular dental cleanings.

1. You get a professional plaque attack – Even if you brush your teeth regularly, and well, it’s tough to completely remove the film of plaque that builds up on your teeth over time. Plaque contains the bacteria that can lead to gum disease. A thorough professional cleaning can stave off gingivitis, and even reverse it in its early stages.
2. You get ounces of prevention worth pounds of cure – Both the hygienist who cleans your teeth and the dentist who performs the checkup afterward are focused on early detection of problems. They’re looking for everything from minor tooth decay to oral cancer. Signs of heart disease and diabetes can show up in the mouth first. Expert eyes can catch a cavity before it turns into a root canal or spot a health condition that needs immediate attention from your family doctor. In addition, X-rays are usually taken during one of your biannual teeth cleanings. This is another opportunity for your dentist to discover potential problems with your teeth and gums and the bone structure that supports them.
3. You get personalized advice from experts – Teeth cleaning sessions present an opportunity to ask questions. Your dental team knows you, your mouth, and your health history. Ask them to assess your oral hygiene routine. They can help you decide if you would benefit from replacing your conventional toothbrush with a Sonicare or Rotadent and recommend the toothpaste that’s best for you. Are you dreading having a cavity filled? Ask about sedation dentistry. Do you have questions about teeth whitening? Maybe you have chipped, missing, or crooked teeth; your dentist can explain how porcelain veneers, dental implants, or clear plastic braces could improve your appearance.

If you’ve been lax when it comes to regular teeth cleanings, make them a priority today. Be proactive about protecting the gateway to your body. Call Downtown Dental at [phone_no]. Dr. Don Mungcal and his responsive staff can typically schedule a visit for a new patient within a week or less.

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