When you think about your overall health, what’s the first thing you notice about yourself or others? Often, it’s the largest opening of your body—your mouth! This natural reflex drives us to pick at something, rinse with mouthwash, or feel uncomfortable at the sight of lingering debris. Dental disease is preventable, and maintaining a regular dental cleaning schedule is crucial not only for a bright smile but also for overall health. At Empire Dental Aesthetics, Dr. Husam Almunajed’s mission is to ensure every patient enjoys a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your teeth and gums.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Shutterstock

Why are Teeth and Gum Cleanings Crucial for Overall Health and Beauty?

The primary reason is simple: you want to look and feel good daily. A quick check with your tongue can reveal a furry texture around your teeth and gums—biofilm, or plaque, a bacterial buildup. Plaque thrives in the warm, moist environment of your mouth and can harm your teeth and gums if left unchecked. It can lead to cavities, gum infections, and bad breath. Over time, this can escalate from mild gum inflammation to bone loss around the teeth, giving the lower face a sunken look often mistaken for aging. Remarkably, patients in their 90s with excellent gum health retain a youthful appearance due to the lack of bone loss.

How Does Poor Oral Hygiene Impact Overall Body Health?

Poor oral hygiene affects more than just your mouth. The biofilm in your mouth travels through your circulatory system, potentially causing widespread inflammation. Inflamed gums, essentially open wounds around the teeth, allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, impacting your heart, lungs, and other organs. Gum inflammation is linked to cancers, heart diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and pregnancy complications. Recently, Harvard Medical School highlighted that maintaining oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings reduce the risk of stomach and colorectal cancers, underscoring the importance of oral health in overall well-being.

What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease?

The first noticeable sign is persistent bad breath. If your breath smells unpleasant soon after brushing and flossing, lingering bacteria in your gums may be the culprit. Fortunately, early-stage gum disease is entirely reversible. Inform your dentist so you can receive a thorough cleaning that will not only eliminate the disease but also encourage your gums to reattach to your teeth, preventing further gum recession and disease progression.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Husam Almunajed (@doctoralmunajed)

How Does the Swiss Deep Cleaning Machine Improve Dental Cleanings?

Dental cleaning quality can vary significantly, but at our practice, we’ve adopted EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy from Switzerland. This advanced system revolutionizes routine cleanings in terms of both patient comfort and effectiveness. Traditional cleanings often involve scraping with sharp instruments, which can be uncomfortable and leave behind buildup. Our new system, however, is completely pain-free and highly effective, removing up to 100% of harmful bacteria without drilling, scraping, or trauma. Patients who’ve experienced 2-5 treatments report not only feeling great in their mouth but also an overall improvement in body health. A smooth, clean feeling in your mouth is now attainable with this innovative approach.

How Frequently Should Individuals Undergo Dental Cleanings?

The frequency of dental cleanings depends on individual risk factors. For low-risk patients, one or two cleanings a year are typically sufficient. However, patients with moderate to high risk, including those with stress, diabetes, menopause, smoking habits, poor diet, or a history of gum disease, may need cleanings 3-4 times a year. It’s essential to consult with your dentist to tailor your cleaning schedule to your specific needs, ensuring optimal oral and overall health. Regular cleanings maintain your health and ensure fresh breath and a confident smile.