Many people only visit their dentists when they need to address oral pain or discomfort. Today our Ottawa dentists explain why regular appointment for a professional cleaning is important even when you feel alright.
Even if you have good oral hygiene practices at home, it is important to have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months. Good brushing and flossing habits are certainly important, but there are tangible benefits to your dental health from regular visits for a professional cleaning.
Why Schedule Professional Dental Cleanings?
There are a number of reasons to book regular professional dental cleanings, including:
1. Remove plaque and tartar buildup
No matter how well you brush at home, there are likely some hard-to-reach places on your teeth where plaque has an easier time settling and proliferating. If not removed, plaque can begin hardening into a sticky substance known as tartar in just 24 hours. Only a trained hygienist at your Ottawa dentist can remove tartar once it has formed, and they'll have no trouble reaching the plaque that you can't reach at home.
2. Prevent the development of oral health problems
Preventive dentistry is the best tool that dentists have in the fight against oral disease. Visiting your dentist at least every six months for a professional cleaning will help keep gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health diseases at bay. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy means that you will be at a lower risk of tooth loss later on in life.
3. Correct oral health concerns early
The second best thing after After prevention, catching oral health problems early is the next best thing for ensuring speedy and effective treatment. In the early stages, gum disease and tooth decay can be reversed if the proper steps are taken. Treatment is not only easier but also a lot more affordable early on. The cost of not visiting the dentist regularly can easily outgrow the cost of dental cleanings.
Dentists are also often the first primary healthcare practitioners to detect signs of oral cancer, which is typically much more responsive to treatment if caught early.
4. Maintain a healthy smile
Teeth can quickly become discoloured from too much plaque and tartar buildup. By going for regular dental cleaning, you might get to enjoy a brighter and whiter smile on top of a healthier one. Your dentist and hygienist will also be able to give you personalized pointers on how to keep your teeth whiter, and they may suggest cosmetic dental treatments for you as well.