Q:What’s the big deal withgetting my teeth cleaned

on a regular basis?

A:Visiting your DentalHygienist routinely and

maintaining good oral hygieneis not only good for your looks,but for your overall health aswell. Here are fi ve of my topreasons for getting your teethcleaned regularly!

1. Help Maintain Your HealthPoor oral hygiene has beenlinked to heart attacks andstrokes. Bacteria from guminfections can enter your bloodstream and be carried to majororgans in your body.

2. Prevent Gum Disease& Help Keep Your Teeth

Gum disease, also called peri-odontal disease or pyorrhea, isthe infection of the tissue andbone that hold your teeth inplace. If an early diagnosis ismade it can be treated or re-versed. Ignoring gum diseasecan ultimately lead to toothloss. Following treatment ofgum disease, routine cleaningsare a must!

3. Prevent Oral CancerAccording to the Oral Can-cer Foundation, every hourof every day someone in theUnited States dies from oralcancer. When you have yourteeth cleaned and examined,your dentist and hygienist arealso screening for cancerous lesions. Oral cancer has a highcure rate if detected early.

4. Prevent Bad BreathStudies show that 85% of peo-ple with persistent bad breath,also called halitosis, have sometype of dental problem. At your cleanings, your dental hy-gienist will make sure you aremaintaining good dental homecare. A clean mouth is essen-tial to prevent bad breath!

5. Have A Bright White SmileA lot of habits cause teeth tobe stained. Most of the stainscaused by coffee, tea and to-bacco can be removed at yourdental cleaning by scalingand polishing. The result is abrighter and whiter smile. Ifyour smile still isn’t as whiteas you would like, your dentalhygienist can discuss cosmeticoptions to help make yoursmile even brighter.

I hope these tips are helpful.Schedule your dental cleaningand exam soon. You don’t haveto be good to all of your teeth,just the ones you want to keep!

Kimberly Roberts is a RegisteredDental Hygienist at the office ofPatricia A. London, DDS.

Smile Talk with Kimmy....Smile Talk with Kimmy....

Patricia A. London, D.D.S.Patricia A. London, D.D.S.213 Church St. • Concord, NC 28025 • 704.782.1012 www.drpatricialondon.com213 Church St. • Concord, NC 28025 • 704.782.1012 www.drpatricialondon.com

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