Why Your Teeth Should Be Professionally Cleaned

Taking good care of your teeth is something you do as a matter of course.  Brushing three times a day, flossing after each meal, and staying away from sticky sweets is just a regular part of your daily routine.  You look in the mirror and your smile is bright and beautiful and so you may wonder if maybe it might be fine to just go ahead and skip your next cleaning.  Here are the reasons why it’s a good idea not to.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Plaque is the biggest reason!  Plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and causes decay and can be removed by brushing and flossing.  Over time however, plaque can turn into a hardened substance called tartar which can only be removed through a dental cleaning – as only the steel scrapers of a dentist can get it loose.  Plaque and tartar will lead to gum disease which can lead to tooth loss among many other issues.  Having regularly cleanings will prevent tartar and plaque from building up.

Polished to a Gleam

Teeth can become stained just through daily contact with coffee, tea, or other staining beverages.  Food can stain teeth as can tobacco.  Dental cleanings will remove those stains and polish teeth to a shine that will give you a brighter and more beautiful smile.

Saves Money and Pain

Much like most forms of preventative maintenance the short term effort of having a dental cleaning done is offset by not having to endure the effects of failing to get it done.  Dental surgery can be costly and painful and, barring injury, can be prevented by regular cleanings.  It’s just better to get professionally cleaned rather than wait for large problems to develop.

Your at-home dental care regimen is important but to maximize your health of your teeth and gum they should be cleaned by a professional regularly.  In addition to the cleaning the dentist will also be able to check for any additional problems that may have occurred since the last time you were in the office.  If you’re looking for a professional cleaning contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Important Dental Care Tips for Seniors

For those reaching their golden years additional worries about their health are nothing new.  Advancing age makes the body more susceptible to injuries, complications, and disease.  In addition health issues that build over time often come to a head in later years further complicating a senior’s medical situation.  Dental health is no different and there are important things every senior should know about additional risks they may have and what they can do to lower those risks.

Issues Specific to Seniors

Cavities can start to pop up again in old age after not having them for many years.  The primary cause of this is dry mouth which is a reduction of the flow of teeth-protecting saliva.  Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging however, but a very common side-effect of hundreds of different medications including those for high blood pressure and Parkinson’s disease.  Your dentist can help you combat this, provided they’re aware of the medications you’re taking.

Gum disease is often painless until it reaches the advanced stage – and advanced age can often be when it strikes.  Seniors may also suffer darkened teeth due to decades consuming stain-causing beverages or the thinning of the outer enamel layer.  Tooth loss can also happen more often due to gum disease and root decay that may be the result of receding gums.

Preventative Care

There are a lot of issues but the good news is that most of it can be prevented with a fairly standard dental hygiene regimen catered to your specific needs.  That means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist on a regular schedule, a minimum of twice a year or more depending on specific circumstances.  For dry mouth specifically drinking more water will help, as will chewing sugar-free gum, oral moisturizers, and avoiding beverages that can irritate dry mouths alike alcohol or coffee.

Getting old isn’t easy but it can be made easier with the right preventative care.  If you are, or know, a senior who requires dental care contact us at Pickering Square Dental today and we’ll be happy to assist.