Many people wonder if it's that important to visit their dentist for a teeth cleaning every six months if they aren't having any problems. The answer is: Yes! It is imperative to visit your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings and checkups to maintain your dental health, and the best time is when your teeth are not bothering you, before any problems start.
When we see you for routine bi-annual teeth cleanings, we remove any buildup of plaque and bacteria that contribute to problems with your smile, like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. With regular preventive care, we can help you avoid many of these dental problems.
The Hidden Benefits of Routine Preventive Care
Even if you aren’t experiencing any dental issues, prioritizing your preventive care has tremendous financial and oral health benefits, including the following:
- Cost savings/prevention vs. cure — When you make regular routine dental visits, it gives us the opportunity to help you avoid dental issues. By preventing concerns before they start, you could save money and save your smile.
- The mouth-body connection — Research shows there’s a direct connection between your oral and overall health. Several systemic diseases, including cardiovascular issues, have been linked to oral health issues.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning in North York
During your hygiene appointment in North York, we remove the excess plaque buildup from your teeth that you might've missed at home. Our hygienist scales away the buildup and polishes your teeth to eliminate staining and discolouration.
This is also an excellent time to review proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure you're making the most of your home care routine. Your hygienist is an excellent resource for product information if you want to enhance your home care routine with an electric toothbrush or an antibacterial mouth rinse, for example. So, ask all of your questions now.
What Happens During Your Dental Exam
After your teeth cleaning, one of our dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth. They're looking to spot any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease, both of which are best treated as early as possible. They will also check the health and function of your current restorations like fillings, crowns, bridges, or implants to ensure no problematic breakdown occurs.
Lastly, they will screen you for oral cancer during your dental checkup. Finding oral cancer as early as possible gives you the best prognosis for successful treatment.
Common Patient Fears and FAQS
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from our patients:
Does a dental cleaning hurt? No, a dental cleaning isn’t painful, especially if your gums are healthy. Our dental team provides gentle treatment and strives to put your mind at ease.
What if my gums bleed during or after? It’s normal for your gums to bleed a bit after a dental cleaning, especially if you haven’t been to the dentist for some time.
Are bi-annual cleanings covered by dental insurance? Yes, most dental insurance covers a routine exam and cleaning every six months. You can always check with your insurance company for more details.
