If it's been a while since you visited the dentist, you might be missing out on valuable dental care. During your routine dental visits, your dentist will provide you with a thorough professional cleaning. You might think that if you brush and floss each day, you don't need professional cleanings. Unfortunately, that's not correct. While this practice will keep your teeth clean, brushing and flossing alone isn't enough to keep your teeth and gums clean. Here are three reasons you need to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

Eliminates Bad Breath

If you've been battling bad breath, it might be due to food and bacteria deposits that are hiding below the gum line. No matter how many times you brush and floss your teeth at home, you simply can't get rid of the food and bacteria that builds up in your mouth. When you receive a professional cleaning, the dentist will use special tools to thoroughly remove all the bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Reduce Occurrence of Cavities

If you've ever run your tongue over your teeth before brushing and felt a sticky substance, that substance is actually plaque – one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Because plaque creates a sticky film over your teeth, it can be difficult to remove with ordinary brushing and flossing. That's where professional cleanings come in. With annual cleanings, you'll be able to reduce the occurrence of cavities, which means you'll have to endure fewer dental treatments to repair the damage.

Prevent Premature Tooth Loss

The same plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay can also cause gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults. To prevent gum disease, you should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year. During the cleaning, the dentist will remove plaque and bacteria that has built up between your teeth, and below the gum line. If you develop any warning signs of gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Some of the signs you should look for include the following:

• Swelling and inflammation of the gums
• Bleeding from the gums when you brush or floss
• Pus oozing from between your teeth

If you've been avoiding the dentist, your teeth might not be as clean as they should be. To prevent dental problems, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible by contacting local clinics or visiting websites like http://www.cresthillfamilydental.com. Semi-annual cleanings will help keep your teeth clean and healthy.