Why Do I Need to See My Hygienist?

For Calgary patients, Dr. Korol Dental is an excellent choice to have your teeth cleaned. Equipped with top-of-the-line dental cleaning tools, our hygienists offer regular and deep dental cleaning, with a holistic and biocompatible approach.

What Happens If You Skip Your Dental Cleanings 

Neglecting your biannual dental cleanings open up your oral health to the following risks: 

Periodontitis: Also known as gum infection, periodontitis is generally caused by bacterial growth in the mouth. The condition damages gum tissues and can eventually erode the bone that supports your teeth. If not treated, tooth loss is likely to ensue. 

Gingivitis: Milder than periodontitis, gingivitis is characterized by gum inflammation. The buildup of plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and to bleed during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis may lead to periodontitis. 

Toothache and tooth decay: Plaque that has turned into calculus (tartar) gradually eats away at the enamel that coats and protects your teeth. Without this protective shell, bacteria can make their way into the pulp of the tooth, forming abscesses. Severe toothache and tooth decay may result.  

Pocket formation: Plaque buildup can create gaps between the teeth and the gum line. This results in small pockets of bacteria forming in these gaps. Increased tooth sensitivity and pain follow.  

Halitosis: Persistent bad breath is a telltale sign of poor oral hygiene. Halitosis cannot be addressed by regular brushing and flossing and can affect the quality of your social interactions. 

Oral Health Is Connected To Systemic Health 

Not many people know about the mouth-body connection. Research has shown that your oral health can affect the rest of your body, and vice-versa. Your oral health is also an indication of your body’s overall health. Because your mouth is intimately connected to other organ systems, dental practices should provide care for the body as a whole. This is the basis of biocompatible dentistry. 

With this in mind, it makes sense that poor oral hygiene can lead to complications in other parts of your body, too. For example, periodontitis can lead to cardiovascular problems, while gum inflammation can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. 

Here is how plaque and calculus can contribute to systemic health complications:

Diabetes: Oral hygiene is even more important if you have diabetes. Gum infections, like any other infection, cause an increase in blood glucose, making diabetes that much more difficult to manage. High blood sugar in turn weakens white blood cells, reducing your mouth’s ability to fight off bacteria and further exacerbating your gum infection. 

Cardiovascular diseases: Bacteria that make it to the bloodstream may reach the heart valves. While experts are still studying the causal relationship between oral and cardiovascular health, the correlation between poor oral hygiene and cardiovascular diseases is difficult to ignore. 

Development problems in children: Children who experience tooth sensitivity and pain resulting from plaque and calculus buildup eat less and develop poor sleeping patterns. 

Given that a host of health complications originate from or are exacerbated by bacteria growth in the mouth, ensuring proper oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to be healthy. And there is no better way to keep your mouth free from bacteria than regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist. 

Oral Hygiene: A Starting Point For Your Holistic Health 

Frequent dental cleanings contribute to both oral and overall health. Not only do they help prevent gum diseases and cavities, they also minimize diabetic and cardiovascular complications. The holistic benefits that come with dental cleanings make these visits to the dentist worth it. 

Dr. Korol Dental is a leading holistic and biocompatible dental practice in Calgary. Our hygienists have the quality dental cleaning tools and expertise to provide unique cleaning solutions in tune with your body’s overall needs. Call us at 403-245-9099 or fill out the online contact form to explore all types of holistic dental cleaning services we offer. 

FAQs

Q: How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
A: Unless otherwise indicated by your dentist, you should get your teeth cleaned twice a year. 

Q: What is biocompatible dentistry?
A: Biocompatible dentistry is the philosophy that your oral health is intimately connected with your overall health. This mouth-body connection means that all treatments and care provided by a biocompatible dentist contribute to your overall wellbeing. 

Q: What is the difference between plaque, tartar, calculus, and cavity?
A: Plaque is the buildup of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Over time, plaque hardens into calculus, also called tartar. Cavities are tiny holes or openings on the surface of your teeth caused by bacteria in your mouth.