The Importance of Regular Cleanings

MARKHAM, Ontario - Aug. 29, 2022 - PRLog -- It's recommended that you have a dental cleaning every six months, but is it really necessary if you brush and floss every day? The fact is that even diligent brushing and flossing cannot clean the teeth of all plaque and debris. So, the answer is yes, dental cleanings are an essential part of good oral health. The professionals at 14th Avenue Dentistry, dentist in Markham, ON stress the importance of these appointments. Here are a few reasons why.

Tooth decay does not present obvious symptoms

Cavities form and grow oftentimes without your knowledge. Once you feel any pain or irritation, chances are, the cavity will require more than a simple filling to be treated. During a routine dental appointment, your dentist will examine the teeth and gums for issues. Your enamel will be checked,and potential soft spots will be tested to look for cavities. The plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) will then be cleaned off the tooth surfaces to prevent bacteria from creating cavities. This is especially helpful in those areas of the mouth that are hard to reach, such as the back molars.

Your dentist looks for more than tooth decay

Research has shown that oral health is linked to overall health, which means that your mouth, face, and neck can show signs of issues in other areas of the body. Cancer, diabetes, and lymph node issues are all diseases or problems that can be detected during a 6-month checkup at 14th Avenue Dentistry. Your dentist will also assess the overall health of your mouth, including problem teeth, your tongue, bite, and any issues with treated teeth.

Don't forget your gums

When you're brushing, you're probably only paying attention to your teeth. However, the health of your gums is part of your oral health as well. After all, the teeth could be in danger if their base is not stable, and gum disease could result in tooth loss. Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar up to the gum line so that bacteria will not be able to attack the teeth or gums.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and is usually treated with a procedure called a scaling and planing. In this procedure, the teeth are cleaned down to the roots (farther than they are during a routine cleaning), then smoothed out to prevent infection and further decay.

If any issues are detected during your dental appointment, your dentist at 14th Avenue Dentistry will be able to make a recommendation on how to possibly reverse damage or prevent it from worsening. For oral health in Markham, ON, schedule an appointment at 14th Avenue Dentistry today.

For more information on various dental exams and cleanings, visit our website at: https://14avedental.com/service/tooth-cleaning/