5 Invaluable Oral Health Benefits of Twice-Yearly Dental Visits

70% of adults in the United States go to the dentist at least once a year. If you’re among them, you’re on the right track for positive oral health. But is one visit enough?

An annual dental cleaning is a great start. However, two visits per year is even better. 

Our expert team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, provides routine checkups and dental cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy now and into the future.

If you’re undecided about scheduling twice-yearly dental visits, read on to learn about the valuable oral health benefits of doing so.

1. Reduced risk of gum disease 

Nearly half of adults over age 30 in the US have a form of gum disease. Getting a dental cleaning twice a year can decrease your risk. 

Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup. While brushing and flossing at home helps, you can’t eliminate tartar on your own. Routine dental visits provide opportunities for periodontal care so gum disease can be treated early.

2. Better smelling breath

Dental cleanings remove harmful bacteria that cause bad breath — a sign of declining oral health. At your biannual visits, our team can determine the underlying cause of the foul smell. 

If your bad breath stems from gum disease, we can start treatment to improve your breath and gum health. If poor hygiene habits are to blame, we can guide you toward better practices.

3. Fewer cavities 

About 90% of adults develop at least one cavity — the most common form of tooth decay. Several factors fuel cavities, many of which can be mitigated with twice-a-year dental cleanings. 

Those factors include bacteria, plaque, tartar, poor oral hygiene, and lack of fluoride. If you’re prone to cavities, we may recommend a special fluoride treatment for prevention.

4. Preserved teeth

Without early intervention, gum disease can cause tooth loss. So, twice-yearly visits can save your teeth.

Even with health insurance, advanced dental care can get pricey. Those costs lead many people to bypass needed dental care, which can lead to even worse oral health. 

While a routine cleaning costs $100-200 on average in the US, without insurance, a dental implant typically costs $3,000-$5,000. Only a portion of dental implant costs tend to be covered by insurance.

By seeing our team every six months, you’ll be less likely to need costlier treatments and more likely to stay on track with preventive care.

5. Less inflammation and reduced oral cancer risk 

Your dental health affects more than your teeth and gums. Professional cleanings help prevent and reduce inflammation, which can spread from your gum tissue to other parts of your mouth, throat, and body.

Poor oral health is linked with serious issues like heart disease and pneumonia.

One study showed that people who’d lost at least one adult tooth were 66% more likely to die of heart-related issues than those who hadn’t. Poor dental hygiene may also raise your risk for oral cancers, such as throat or tongue cancer. 

To start benefiting from twice-yearly dental visits, call Swinney Dental to schedule one today. You can also use our convenient online booking feature.