Many people do not realize just how important
good oral hygiene is, not only for one's looks but also for one's overall
health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to both dental problems
such as gum disease and infection and other medical problems such as bone loss,
heart disease, strokes and more.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help
to prevent these issues from occurring.
It’s important to realize that even if you have good oral hygiene
practices at home, you still need professional teeth cleaning in order to
remove plaque build-up that is not removed by brushing alone.
Here are ten important reasons to ensure you
have your teeth professionally cleaned:
1. Screening for Oral Cancer
According to the Oral Cancer
Foundation, a national non-profit public service entity, approximately
42,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2013.
According to Canadian Cancer Society statistics,
approximately 4000 Canadians were diagnosed with oral cancer in Canada (which
correlates well with the U.S. numbers as the Canadian population is
approximately one tenth that of the U.S.).
When you have a dental cleaning you are also being screened for oral
cancer which generally speaking highly curable if caught early.
2. Preventing Gum Disease
Periodontal disease,
or ‘gum is usually caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar build-up over
time. There are other factors that can
potentially cause gum disease including the use of tobacco, clenching or
grinding of the teeth, some medications and genetic factors.
Gingivitus is the name given to the beginning
stage of gum disease and it often goes undetected. This stage of the disease is, generally
speaking, reversible.
Periodontitis is the stage of gum disease that
follows gingivitis. There are many levels of periodontitis but a common outcome
is chronic inflammatory response, a condition in which the body breaks down
bone and tissue in the infected areas of the mouth. This then leads to bone loss and an increased chance of tooth loss.
In addition to professional teeth cleanings bi-annually, regular brushing and
flossing are key preventive measures to avoid gum disease.
3. To Keep Your Teeth
As defined above gum
disease leads to teeth loss. Of course no one wants to lose their teeth both
because of cosmetic reasons and because good teeth are critical for proper
eating function and affect speech as well.
4. To Maintain Good Physical Health
Studies in
recent years have linked heart attacks and strokes to poor oral hygiene. A proper dental cleaning every six months
along with proper daily brushing and flossing can help to reduce these risk
factors.
5. Early
Detection of Dental Issues
Your hygienist can help detect early signs of
problems with your gums or your teeth. This can include early detection of
cavities, broken fillings and gum disease. Early treatment is the best option
for both health and cost reasons.
Untreated dental problems can lead to more complicated treatments such
as root canals or gum surgery and removal of the teeth might end up becoming
the only option available leading to yet further expensive dental work to
replace the missing teeth.
6. To Detect Changes in Your Oral Health
Regular check-ups (bi-annually) will help with early detection of any changes
in your oral health by comparing with your previous history. If you are getting off-track with your oral
hygiene the earlier this is identified, the better.
7. For A
Brighter and Whiter Smile
Regular cleaning by your dental hygienist will help
ensure a beautiful smile. Your dental
hygienist can remove most coffee, tea and tobacco stains and also polish your
teeth to give them a beautiful shine.
8. Preventing Bad Breath
According to
Wikipedia bad breath or halitosis
is estimated to be the third most frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal
disease.[1] Most often a dental problem is the root cause of
halitosis and good oral hygiene is essential to prevent it. Regular check-ups and teeth cleanings are
instrumental in preventing halitosis.
9. Avoid Higher Cost Treatment Later
Regular check-ups
can help you avoid more costly treatments later. Proper maintenance, regular
check-ups and daily oral hygiene practices will help avoid major dental
problems such as cavities or gum disease.
10. Use Your Dental Coverage
Most dental
insurance plans in Ontario allow for two dental cleanings per year. Taking
advantage of this will save you money in the long run and help ensure you stay
in a condition of optimal health.
