Do you fear the dentist? If so, you may want to look into sedation dentistry. Read on and see how your trusted dentist in Columbia, IL can help.

Prevent Cavities

One of the top reasons you need to schedule routine dental cleanings is to prevent cavities.

Brushing and flossing each day will help remove harmful bacteria and food particles from your mouth and between your teeth.

Otherwise, you could give bacteria time to feed on those food particles. This process allows cavities to form.

Scheduling cleanings twice a year with your dentist in Columbia, IL could help you avoid cavities.

Otherwise, you might not realize you've neglected food particles between your teeth. Perhaps you've missed a few hard-to-reach spots in the back of your mouth. Your dentist can also help you determine if you need to change your current oral hygiene routine. 

When you fail to thoroughly brush and floss, food and bacteria linger, allowing plaque to form. Plaque is the clear, sticky substance that clings to your teeth when you don't brush.

When left unattended, plaque begins to produce acid. The acid is able to wear down the enamel that protects your teeth.

Without protection, cavities can form, causing holes in your teeth. A cavity could even destroy an entire tooth if you wait to visit your dentist. 

Cavities can also impact your overall health. For example, a tooth abscess or infection might develop. The infection can travel through your bloodstream to cause life-threatening consequences. 

Signs of a Cavity

Make sure to keep an eye out for the signs that a cavity has impacted your smile. For example, you might experience:

• Lingering sensitivity to sweet foods and beverages
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
• Ongoing toothaches

Take a look at your smile in the mirror, too. You might notice white, black, or brown staining against the surface of your teeth. You could even notice a hole or pit on one tooth.

If these problems sound familiar, visit your Columbia, IL dentist right away. Routine cleanings can keep plaque at bay. Otherwise, plaque will begin to harden into tartar.

You can't remove tartar from your teeth alone. You'll need a dentist to clear it away for you.



Routine cleanings are more cost-effective than getting a root canal or filling a cavity.

Maintain Fresh Breath

When the bacteria in your mouth gets the chance to linger, it can contribute to bad breath. Sometimes, it's not enough to brush and floss twice a day, though. If gum disease gets the chance to develop, bad breath will linger, even after you brush.



If you've started to notice your breath doesn't improve after you brush your teeth, visit your dentist for a routine cleaning. They can help you determine the best course of action to keep your breath fresh. 

Keep Your Teeth

Visiting your dentist for routine cleanings can also help you discover new ways to improve your smile. For example, your dentist might recognize plaque is forming. They could recommend a different brushing or flossing technique.

They might recommend you switch your toothbrush or toothpaste instead.

Their tips can help you protect your teeth. Otherwise, plaque and tartar can form, which can increase your risk of gum disease. When gum disease progresses, it can destroy the bone tissues in your jaw that support your teeth.

Your teeth could get loose or begin to fall out.

If you want to improve and keep your smile, schedule dental cleanings twice a year.

Brighter Smiles

Bacteria can also impact the appearance of your pearly whites.

Medication, smoking, beverages (like coffee and wine), and foods that contain dye can cause discoloration. If you're unsatisfied with the appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist. They might recommend a cosmetic dentistry option.

For example, they might recommend tooth whitening. For more severe staining, they might recommend veneers instead.

Visiting your dentist twice a year can help you develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.



Learning how to maintain your stunning, bright smile can boost your self-confidence, too. 

Protect Your Gums

Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque can form, increasing your risk of gum disease.

Make sure to visit your Columbia, IL dentist if you experience symptoms like:

• Receding gum lines
• Bad breath
• Spaces between teeth
• Pain when chewing
• A change in your bite
• Swollen or puffy gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Tender gums
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Pain when chewing
• Bleeding gums

Remember, your teeth might get loose, too. 



Dental cleanings will ensure your dentist spots signs of gum disease, even when you don't. They can catch gum disease at the beginning stages to ensure you start treatment right away. Beginning treatment immediately can reduce your risk of complications. 

Avoid Complications

Prioritizing your oral health with routine cleanings can help you avoid harmful complications and dangerous diseases. For example, bacteria could increase your risk of infections or inflammation.

An infection could enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease. You could even suffer from a stroke.

You might develop endocarditis as well. This infection can affect the inner lining of your heart chamber.



Visiting your dentist will allow you to improve your oral health, which could improve your overall health. 

Save Money

Routine cleanings can help you spot small problems with your oral health before they get worse. Then, you can begin immediate treatment before cavities or gum disease develops.

In other words, routine cleanings could help you save money in the long run.

Otherwise, you might have to pay for more expensive procedures in the future. 

Schedule Dental Cleanings With Your Dentist in Columbia, IL Today

Don't neglect to schedule your dental cleanings twice a year. Visiting your dentist in Columbia, IL will help you protect your dental health. You can improve your smile while avoiding complications in the process.

Eager to schedule your next appointment? We can't wait to see you!

Contact us today to get started.