Everyone knows that it’s important to see the dentist twice a year—but how many of us actually do? If you haven’t sat in the dentist’s chair in more than 6 months, it’s time to schedule your next visit.

Regular cleanings are more important than you might think. Here are a few reasons why you should schedule one with your dentist ASAP:

 

It’s the only way to get rid of tartar.

Whenever we brush our teeth, we aim to remove the plaque that builds up from what we eat and drink. But we don’t always brush twice a day or clean each spot in our mouths properly, and this allows plaque to turn into tartar (or calculus), which is a hardened deposit. Left untreated, it can cause discolouration and decay. It can only be removed using tools at the dentist’s office. 

 

Filling a cavity is better than getting a root canal.

Cavities are pretty common among Canadians. According to the Canadian Dental Association, 58.8% of adults have at least one decayed tooth. 

Preventative care can save you money. The sooner a cavity is filled, the better—otherwise, you’ll have a more expensive (and painful) problem on your hands. 

When a dentist detects a cavity, they remove the decayed material and fill it with a material like metal, porcelain, or a composite. This stops the cavity in its tracks and prevents any further damage to the tooth. However, if you skip out on your semi-annual dental cleaning, then this cavity will go undetected. The cavity can get deeper, to the point where you will need a root canal. This is a more costly and uncomfortable procedure. You’re better off catching issues early to prevent these situations!

 

Bad oral hygiene is linked to health issues.

Most of us know that cavities are bad for our oral health. But did you also know that it can be harmful to your overall health too? Tooth decay has been linked to other issues like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and even dementia.

All of these health conditions can significantly affect your quality of life. Regular dental cleanings are a great way to prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. 

 

A fluoride treatment will protect your teeth.

Whenever you sit in the dentist’s chair, you already know the routine of the cleaning: they inspect your mouth, remove any tartar, brush your teeth, and floss between them. At the end, you’ll get a fluoride treatment, given in the form of a mouth rinse or trays with foam. This will give your teeth an extra layer of protection and prevent acid from decaying your tooth enamel.

 

We rely on our teeth for our entire lives.

As the years go by, we all get older, but one thing stays the same: we need to eat. And to do that, we need our teeth!

Taking good care of these important tools will serve you well for the rest of your life. Strong and healthy teeth allow you to consume the foods you love, chew without pain, and feel confident when you flash your smile. 

For teeth cleaning in Winnipeg, give us a call at EK Dental. We’ll be happy to help you set up an appointment so we can make your teeth spotless!