The Risks Of Skipping Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings and exams are an important part of oral hygiene and preventative oral care. The recommended schedule of these services as outlined by the Canadian Dental Association is every six months. Regular dental cleanings and exams, combined with twice-daily brushing and flossing, smart eating habits, and not smoking or vaping will ensure that your mouth and teeth stay as healthy as possible. Some people believe that if they are practicing good oral hygiene at home they can skip the bi-annual visit to the dentist, especially when a busy schedule or the lack of dental coverage are obstacles to dental care. But you really need to consider what can happen when you don’t make it a priority to have regular dental cleanings and dental exams.
What Is Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings are an important part of your twice-yearly visits to your dentist. Performed by a dental hygienist, your dental cleaning will include:
- An Examination: Your dental hygienist will carefully examine your mouth, teeth, and gums for irregularities and signs of decay.
- Scaling: Your dental hygienist will use a scaling tool to remove plaque and tartar if you require deep teeth cleaning.
- Polish: Using a high-powered tool, your hygienist will remove any residual tartar from your teeth.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
The reason that dental cleanings are such an important part of good oral care is that your dental hygienist will be able to remove build-ups of plaque and tartar and stains that normal brushing cannot. Your hygienist also has the knowledge to assess your mouth for signs of disease and other dental issues you may not have noticed such as cracked teeth.
The Risks Associated With Missed Dental Cleanings
Regular cleanings and exams are a good opportunity for your dental hygienist and your dentist to examine and detect oral health concerns that might otherwise be missed including:
Cavities: Cavities can sometimes be concealed by a build-up of tartar and plaque. Or they could form between your teeth making them difficult to identify.
Gum Disease: When plaque and tartar accumulate around the gum line, they can irritate and inflame the tissues of your mouth. Over time, this can lead to gum disease (gingivitis) resulting in tooth and bone loss.
Tooth Loss: Tooth loss is a common concern for patients who neglect their teeth by skipping regular dental cleanings. Gum disease, cavities, and damaged teeth all contribute to tooth loss.
Oral Cancer: During a dental cleaning exam, your hygienist will be on the lookout for abnormalities that could signal oral cancer. Early detection is key to the successful treatment of this terrible disease.
Bad Breath: Plaque and tartar build-up, pockets in your gums caused by gingivitis, stains, and cavities can cause bad breath that even mouthwash, mints, and gum will not disguise.
Don’t Skip Your Dental Cleaning, Visit Dr. Korol Dental
Regular bi-annual dental cleanings and exams are crucial parts of maintaining good oral health and optimal overall health. Good habits for at-home dental hygiene are excellent, but do not forget the benefits of visiting your dental office regularly. Book your appointment for dental cleaning and a dental exam today.
Dr. Korol and her skilled and compassionate team are committed to providing the highest quality and safest, most holistic approach to dental care, oral health, and overall well-being. We offer the newest and most effective treatments and technologies to support a lifetime of good health. Our practice is committed to a biocompatible approach to family dentistry. Book your appointment by calling (403) 245-9099 or filling out our online form.
FAQ
The Canadian Dental Association recommends patients visit their dentist once every six months.
Deep teeth cleaning appointments typically take an hour. Deep teeth cleaning also requires you to visit your dentist for at least two separate appointments. You can avoid the need for deep dental cleaning by maintaining a good schedule of dental visits. Book your regular six-month check-up and cleaning with the team at Dr. Korol.
A deep teeth cleaning is required to treat gum and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum, jawbone, and the structures surrounding the teeth. "Peri" means around, and "odontal" refers to teeth. Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If nothing is done, the infection can spread. It can destroy the structures that support the teeth in your jawbone. Eventually, your teeth can become so loose that they have to be extracted.
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