A bright, white smile is often associated with youth, confidence, and good health. With so many whitening products available, it’s easy to assume that whiter teeth indicate better overall oral health. But the truth is more complicated. Tooth color alone doesn’t reveal much about your oral health, and in some cases, a dazzling smile can hide underlying issues that need attention.

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to push a dental cleaning off your calendar, especially if your teeth feel fine. But skipping your routine dental visits can lead to a range of oral health problems that may not show symptoms until they’ve already become serious. Professional cleanings do much more than make your smile look polished; they play a crucial role in preventing disease and catching issues early. Here’s what can happen when you skip a dental cleaning.