Our Toronto dentistry practice provides a variety of services for patients, ranging from routine care to complex restorations and other procedures. Patients who regularly schedule appointments for preventive care may be able to avoid those more complex procedures, in addition to ensuring that they continue to have good oral health.
Dental cleanings every six months, as recommended by the American Dental Association, help to prevent excessive buildup of plaque and tartar, which not only affect your smile’s appearance but also the health of your teeth and gums. The bacteria found in plaque can promote tooth decay and periodontal disease. Although regular brushing and flossing helps to keep the plaque in your mouth to a minimum, it’s still important to have a professional cleaning at regular intervals to clear away any of the substances that may remain. If tartar accumulates in your mouth more quickly than most patients, you may even need to visit the dentist more frequently for cleanings to maintain optimal oral health.
Regular exams also give your dentist an opportunity to identify any concerns, such as cavities or gum disease, in earlier stages that are more treatable. If you wait until you experience symptoms like pain or bleeding before scheduling an appointment with the dentist, your condition may be more advanced and require more complicated, costly, and time-consuming dentistry procedures for treatment. If decay goes untreated for a long period of time, you may ultimately lose the tooth. Dentists will also look for signs of oral cancer during your exam, and spotting a malignant lesion early may prevent the spread of cancer to other areas of the body.
The benefits of preventive dental care go well beyond your mouth, too. Gum disease has been linked with a variety of other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and preeclampsia. Maintaining your oral health is essential to maintaining your overall health.
Be sure to visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and check-ups. If it’s been more than six months since your last appointment, contact our dentistry team in Toronto to schedule a visit soon.