Visiting a dentist is important for your overall oral health. Learn when you should visit your family dentist in St. Catharines!
Visiting your family dentist might not be something you look forward to each year. Some people may even put it off for years at a time. But making regular visits to your dentist can help prevent problems later down the line.
A study from Health Canada showed a decrease in dental decay in correlation with more Canadians visiting a dentist each year. Thorough cleaning and checkups each year can keep your mouth healthy.
Making regular dental appointments is important to your overall oral health. Keep reading to learn when you should visit your family dentist in St. Catharines.
More Thorough Cleaning
Even if you are brushing twice each day and flossing properly, you still can’t clean your teeth as thoroughly as a dental cleaning. While brushing at home removes a lot of the plaque on your teeth, the plaque that builds up between your teeth and under the gum is harder to reach.
Over time, plaque deposits, or tartar, build up and can only be removed with the tools used during your dental cleaning. If tartar is left to accumulate over time it can lead to irritated and inflamed gums. This can eventually cause gum disease, gum regressions, and other issues.
A regular cleaning schedule will prevent excessive tartar buildup. You’ll also leave your family dentist’s office with a nice smile and incredibly clean teeth.
Prevent Common Issues
One of the most common problems dentists see is cavities. While some might be nervous to go to the dentist for fear of finding out they have a cavity, it’s better to know about it early. If a cavity is caught when it’s small, it is easier and less expensive to fix.
During your annual checkup, your dentist will also look for signs of gum disease, also known as gingivitis and periodontitis. Inflamed gums, gums that bleed easily, and bad breath are all signs of gum disease. Regular cleanings can treat the problem unless it is left unchecked and then more serious measures need to be taken.
Your family dentist can also check for bad habits that might be causing your problems. Clenching your teeth, biting your nails, tobacco use, and biting your nails can all cause damage. Your dentist can track potential harm to your teeth and gums as well as help you come up with treatments and lifestyle changes.
Your Family Dentist Can Find Hidden Problems
Yearly X-rays can find potential problems before they become visible. Many of these problems can be fixed before serious damage occurs.
Some problems your dentist can find with an X-ray include tooth decay, bone changes caused by an infection, and bone loss in your jaw. An abscess, cyst, and certain tumours can also be detected by an X-ray.
You may also receive an X-ray if you have to visit your dentist for an emergency visit.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Family Dentist
Regular checkups and cleanings from your family dentist can lead to a healthier mouth overall. Not to mention a nice smile and clean teeth. You'll also catch any issues early on, making treatment easier and less costly.
We'd love to see you for your next checkup. Contact us today to schedule your next dental appointment with us.