Why Do I Need To Come So Often For My Dental Cleaning?
Why are Dental Cleanings Important?
We often hear our dentists emphasizing the importance of regular dental cleanings and how they can help you achieve a rockstar smile and excellent oral health. But, like many other people, if you’re wondering whether dental cleanings are really effective or if they help in preventing dental problems, this article is for you. So, continue reading to find professional dental cleaning and how it can help you enjoy a rockstar smile and a set of pearly white, healthy teeth.
Plaque and Calculus - Where it all Begins
Although brushing and flossing are excellent oral hygiene measures, they are sometimes not enough to prevent dental problems. Over time, a thin layer of food debris forms on our teeth, especially in the areas where the toothbrush’s bristles cannot penetrate. This layer, called dental plaque, gradually hardens over time and is now called the calculus. Both plaque and calculus provide an excellent breeding environment for the disease-causing bacteria. These bacteria utilize sugars from the plaque and calculus and release that initially attack our gums, and later, the jawbone and the tissues that support our teeth in their sockets.
A Vicious Cycle
First, the fibres that attach our teeth to the jawbone and gums are destroyed, forming “pockets” within the teeth and the gums. These pockets promote further food impaction and plaque deposition, thereby exacerbating the situation. This situation, called gingivitis, is clinically apparent in bleeding, swollen and tender gums. Over time, the infection travels to the underlying bone and tooth-supporting tissues and is now called periodontal disease. When this happens, the teeth become loose in their sockets due to widespread damage to the bone tissue. In advanced stages, there is extensive, irreversible damage to the underlying bone, and teeth start to fall off.
All these problems are severe, but the good news is that these problems are easily preventable through optimal oral hygiene care regular dental checkups/dental cleanings.
What are the other Benefits of Regular Dental Cleaning Visits?
Now that we understand the importance of dental cleanings, let us look at some of of the other benefits we can get when we visit our dentist for regular checkups:
Fight Bad Breath (Halitosis) - did you know that poor oral hygiene and periodontal inflammation are one of the most common causes of bad breath? Dental cleanings help you keep fresh breath and fight halitosis.
Maintain Healthy Oral Cavity - your dentist will also perform a thorough examination of your oral cavity at every checkup appointment. They will use specialized equipment to detect underlying problems so they can be treated in the early stages. If any developing teeth cavities are found, your dentist will restore the affected teeth to prevent the damage from progressing and damaging the neighbouring teeth.
Staining Removal (Especially For Smokers) - if you are concerned about your tea, coffee, or tobacco tooth stains, dental cleanings can help you get rid of them, besides ensuring optimal health of your gums and teeth.
Get A New Toothbrush! - Who doesn’t mind getting oral healthcare goodies after their dental appointment? Your dentist will give you new oral health products like dental floss, toothpaste, and toothbrush at every appointment. So that’s another reason to see your dentist regularly.
Education/Motivation/Reinforcement - during routine checkups, your dentist will also look for any signs of parafunctional habits or irregular diet patterns that are affecting your oral health. If necessary, they will educate you regarding tooth-friendly diet habits and ways to overcome parafunctional habits like teeth grinding, nail-biting, and tongue thrusting.
Oral Cancer Screening - oral cancer is a deadly disease. According to the American Dental Association, almost four in every ten patients diagnosed with oral and throat cancers will die in the next five years. However, oral cancers can be treated entirely if they are diagnosed at an early stage. In most cases, dentists are among the first healthcare providers to diagnose underlying malignancies and other medical issues like diabetes, hypertension, and kidney problems.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning Appointment?
Dental cleaning is a straightforward procedure which usually completed in about an hour. Your hygienist will greet you and go over your medical and dental history and an evaluation on your gum health will be conducted.
We understand some patients avoid getting regular cleanings due to sensitivity. Not to worry! We can provide a numbing rinse to you at your appointment!
Afterward, your hygenist will use an ultrasonic scaler, a device that contains a tip that vibrates at a very high frequency and removes plaque and calculus deposits from the teeth and below the gumline. It is common to have slight bleeding during the procedure and for a few days after the procedure. Your gums may also become tender, and you might feel sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. However, all these symptoms are temporary and usually go away within a week. A polish and fluoride may also be completed to keep your teeth feeling smooth and strong!
How Often Should I visit my Dentist for Cleanings?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, the frequency of dental checkups or cleaning visits depends on one’s oral health status. Visiting the dentist once a year should be sufficient for people who maintain good oral hygiene and are not at high risk for developing dental problems. However, individuals with existing medical or dental issues that put them at increased risk for developing gum disease or tooth decay may need to see their dentist after every four months. Therefore, your dentist is the best person to advise you regarding the optimum number of annual dental checkups/ professional cleaning visits.
Did you know that your oral health status can directly influence your physical health and well-being? Research has shown that underlying periodontal disease can increase the risk of developing medical problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. That is why it is always better to prevent these problems in the first place through regular dental checkups than to suffer later and to invest your time and money in their treatment.
Now That You Have the Facts…
Book your next hygiene appointment at Sky Dental today and keep yourself healthy, fit, and smiling!
We are located at 830 Parsons Rd SW, Edmonton, Alberta
