You’ve likely heard from your dentist how important regular cleaning and checkups are for maintaining good oral care. Dental cleaning services in Calgary go beyond having a clean set of teeth. While that fresh, polished feeling after a professional clean is great, routine cleaning plays a crucial role in your overall health and wellbeing. Here’s why!
During a dental cleaning appointment, your hygienist will look for signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes swelling (inflammation) and irritation on the gums surrounding the base of your teeth.
Early detection is crucial so that gum disease does not progress to periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease that damages the soft tissue and destroys bone. When left untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Severe gum disease can also result in bacteria entering the bloodstream. Studies have shown that periodontal disease can increase your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, highlighting the importance of routine dental checkups.
Professional dental cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar which are known to cause tooth decay (cavities). We want to treat decay before it progresses and reaches the pulp of your tooth, which can result in extreme pain. Cavities compromise the structure of the tooth and can also lead to tooth loss.
At Stoney Trail Dental, we use a liquid product called Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) that can stop tooth decay quickly without pain and injection. SDF is a non-invasive treatment that can halt the decay process and relieve sensitivity.
Some dental-related symptoms such as chronic bad breath, unexplained bleeding in the gums, sleep apnea, loose teeth - to name a few - can indicate an underlying health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, and others.
After a dental cleaning with the hygienist, your dentist will come in to perform a full oral exam and ask questions about any symptoms you may be experiencing. This allows your dentist to determine whether an underlying health condition is present and will request further testing for an official diagnosis.
Dental cleaning services fall under our general dentistry and preventative dental care procedures. Having routine cleanings will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and dental issues. If you’re interested in further protecting your teeth and gums, ask us about dental sealants, mouthguards, bad breath care, and wisdom teeth removal.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on December 15, 2021
