Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world. The most severe outcomes of tooth decay are preventable with routine dental cleaning. Despite that fact, many people will skip their next appointment. Anxiety about dental visits is one common reason. Time constraints are another. But regardless of the cause, we must always keep track of when to get our teeth cleaned and be diligent about keeping our appointments. To understand the importance of routine dental cleanings, review these key impacts they can have on your oral hygiene.
1. MAINTAIN GOOD DENTAL HEALTH An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes. That's particularly true of preventative dental care. While brushing and flossing every day are important, they're not always sufficient to prevent tooth decay. Plaque can build up in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, and can eventually lead to infections, tooth loss, and gum disease. Professional cleaning is the best way to ensure a healthy smile. 2. SAVE TIME AND MONEY Skipping your next dental appointment may seem like an easy time- and cost-saving measure. But in the long run, it can be just as hard on your wallet as it is on your health. Serious dental problems like gum disease and cavities may need extensive procedures to correct, including root canals, extractions, or full dental implants. These procedures are time-consuming and often require taking days off from work to recuperate. And they're more expensive than a regular dental cleaning. A modest expense now is preferable to a major expense in the future. 3. EARLY DETECTION OF SERIOUS HEALTH CONCERNS Every year, more than 7,000 Canadians are diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck, with oral and throat cancers being among them. A routine dental cleaning includes oral cancer screening and is the most common way to detect the disease. If found early, the prognosis is generally good. Having a dental cleaning every six months can help ensure a positive outcome. Dental cleaning checks for other serious issues like cavities and abscesses. If left alone, these can lead to serious, even life-threatening infections. 4. IMPROVE YOUR GENERAL HEALTH Your oral health is a good indicator of your overall health. There is a well-established link between tooth decay and heart disease, for example. Regular dental cleaning must be part of your general preventative healthcare plan. 5. BOOST YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE It's hard to feel your best when you know your teeth have stains or visible plaque build-up. Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, can be even more embarrassing and may cause you to avoid close personal interactions. Professional dental care is the best way to remedy both of these conditions.
PLAN YOUR NEXT CLEANING
Routine dental cleaning is a core aspect of maintaining good oral health. As important as daily brushing and flossing are, they are not always enough to prevent tooth decay. Nor can they help you detect severe issues like infections or oral cancer. If you're behind on your dental appointments or have forgotten how often to get your teeth cleaned, then don't delay. Schedule your cleaning and full dental check-up with My Victoria Dentist in Victoria today.