The Significance of the So-Called "Cleaning"
by: Dr. Leonard KundelSeveral people now have asked me, why do I need to have cleanings and how often should I have them? These are great questions which often times are left unasked and unanswered.
Let’s start off with a concept that everyone will understand. Why do we change oil in our cars? Why do we get offered a 20 point inspection at the time of oil change. The answer is simple: we do car check ups so that our cars last us longer and trouble free. Why though? That’s because a car is expensive enough to warrant us to want not to spend more on it.
Why do we tell people: "You need regular dental visits"? For the same reason, practically speaking. Prevention is the most economical way. Problems caught early get resolved fast and inexpensively. Years of neglect lead to huge dental bills not to mention pain, dread, and suffering.
Since I am writing this letter I cant help but mention the effect oral health will have on your body. If you have been my patient for a while I probably have shed some light on the mouth-body connection for you. If you haven’t, I invite you to go to my blog where you will be able to pick up information that is otherwise unavailable to the general public. I started a blog on my website where new information will be added periodically that, in the long run, will save you heaps of money in addition to a healthier and happier you.
It is not important what the visit is actually called. We can call it a cleaning, a check up, a recare or trophy visit, or a "come over get your choppers cleaned" visit. The message stays the same. Have a trusted professional look at you on a periodic basis and odds are you will come out ahead.
So how is cleaning better, different, special here with me? I am glad you asked. There are several very significant reasons. First of all, because of the special care I give your gums. I don’t believe a cleaning should be painful to be beneficial in spite of what you may have been told. Studies have shown that a cleaning done too aggressively can actually cause additional problems, like bacteria creeping into your blood stream and causing all kinds of problems in your body. Also, an aggressive cleaning will remove protective layer from a tooth’s root. That will leave your teeth open to possible infections which carry obvious consequences. Secondly, during periodic visits a problem can be found that could be solved simply and inexpensively. Remember that the Best Dentistry is No Dentistry. Since I am a firm believer in this I will not advise you anything that I would not have done for myself.
Finally, ignorance is not bliss. Heart disease and diabetes often take decades to surface and send one to multitudes of doctors. Wouldn't your time and money be spent better otherwise?
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