While it is easy to practice good oral hygiene at home, the average Canadian has a hard time staying on top of their dental health. In fact, a 2019 report found that less than 40% of Canadians met the cleaning requirements set by the Canadian Dental Association. Without regular brushing, flossing, and other good dental practices, Waterloo residents experience an increased risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other health issues.In this guide, we’ll discuss the importance of regular teeth cleanings and how Chiu Dental can help you build a comprehensive dental hygiene plan with your long-term health in mind. Thanks to these tips, you’ll have a bright smile and immaculate oral hygiene in no time!
The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings
Regular teeth cleaning, also known as teeth scaling, is a preventive procedure performed at least once a year. As outlined in a previous post, routine teeth cleanings are extremely important in maintaining your long-term oral health. During your teeth cleaning appointment, experienced dental hygienists use tools to:
- Remove plaque and tartar from teeth and gums
- Polish teeth to eliminate surface stains from coffee, tea, or wine
- Apply fluoride, which strengthens enamel and prevents cavities
While you might think delaying your cleaning is no big deal, the truth is that a lack of proactive care can have substantial effects on your health. Without regular cleanings and check-ups, patients experience an increase in other health problems, leading to compounded illnesses and hospital visits in the worst cases. By building regular dental habits, you can protect both your oral and general well-being, keeping you happy and healthy for years to come!
Create a Comprehensive Treatment Plan with Chiu Dental
At Chiu Dental, we’ll pair your teeth cleaning with a comprehensive oral exam. Whether it’s a regular check-up or your first visit with us, a dental exam helps promote and maintain your long-term oral health. Our process includes:
- Reviewing your medical and dental history: This will include information about medications, previous dental treatments or issues, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Completing dental X-rays: We’ll use X-rays to provide a detailed view of your teeth, especially any potentially hidden problems like tooth decay, impacted teeth, or bone loss.
- Performing extraoral and intraoral exams: First, we’ll check external features like your face, neck, and jaw. Then, we’ll examine inside your mouth. In addition to your teeth and gums, we’ll also look at your tongue, cheeks, palate, and floor of the mouth.
- Assessing your teeth and gums: After we have a general picture of your oral hygiene, we’ll thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and supporting structures. This includes identifying cavities or signs of gum disease. At this stage, we will also perform an oral cancer screening.
- Building a treatment plan: At Chiu Dental, we focus on building a long-term relationship with our patients. This means creating dynamic treatment plans that have your best interests at heart. In your plan, we can address everything from routine care to cosmetic dentistry.
Nervous about your oral exam? Check out our previous post: Everything You Need to Know About Your First Comprehensive Oral Exam.
Beyond the Basics: Debridement
Although standard cleanings can help with most oral issues, sometimes a more extensive process is required. Debridement, often called deep cleaning, addresses tartar buildup below the gumline. This type of cleaning is particularly important for patients with gum disease. Unlike regular cleanings, debridements help clean the root surfaces beneath the gums. Since this process is generally more intense, your dentist might administer local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. If you think debridement is right for you, discuss your options with our experienced team.
Book Your Teeth Cleaning in Kitchener-Waterloo Today!
Ready to make a long-term investment in your dental health? Chiu Dental is here to help. As Kitchener and Waterloo’s favourite dentist, we have what it takes to make your experience welcoming, informative, and comfortable. Don’t put off your teeth cleaning any longer–book your appointment with Dr. Chiu today!