Dodge the Hidden Risks of Skipping Pro Cleanings

You brush your teeth in the morning and floss before your nighttime brush. That’s great! But when was your last trip to a dentist for a cleaning? If you can’t remember or you have never been, then you highly underestimate the importance of professional cleanings. 

The office of Sandra L. MacDonald, DMD believes in clear and transparent communication. You can trust us to provide detailed information about your treatment options and any other relevant details, empowering you to make informed decisions about your oral health.

The removal of buildup plaque and tartar is the main reason to see a dentist. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that eventually hardens into tartar above and below your gum line. Tartar contributes to gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), cavities and recessed gums. Only a dentist can remove tartar and access some surfaces of your teeth. 

Gum disease starts as gingivitis, indicated by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Without professional intervention, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, and it’s downhill from there: The infection spreads to under the gum line and can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss. 

Regular dental cleanings help prevent and manage gum disease by removing plaque and tartar, which reduces your risk of irreversible damage to your gums, and the bones and tissues that support your teeth.

Avoiding dental cleaning will probably worsen issues you already have. Untreated cavities deepen and spread, which, if you decide to give in and go to a dentist, will eventually require more invasive and costly procedures such as root canals, infection control or extractions. A dentist detects cavities in their early stages. This timely intervention prevents further damage to the teeth.

Professional cleanings offer more than just getting rid of plaque and tartar. A dentist thoroughly examines the mouth for signs of oral cancer, gum recession and other irregularities that may need further evaluation. 

And here’s another important fact: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. There are strong associations between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. That means that skipping dental cleanings is bad for your teeth, your gums and the rest of your body.

The office of Sandra L. MacDonald, DMD hopes that you join the ranks of our satisfied patients who have benefited from our superior care. Please don’t hesitate to call us for an appointment.