How Do You Know It’s Time to Get a Dental Cleaning

Ideally, you'd want to see your dental hygienist every three to six months (depending on your oral condition) to ensure that your oral health is in good shape. However, a lot of people avoid dental treatments unless pain is already involved. But it's important to know that dental cleanings aren't just for aesthetics. When you skip out on too many appointments, you may just end up with some of these problems.

Gums Bleeding from Light Impact

It's not just about the colour. When your gums bleed when you're brushing, flossing, or eating, it's a good indicator that you’re overdue to see your dental hygienist. Bleeding from your gums can be caused by a rough toothbrush, a sharp denture, or a cavity. Bleeding from your gums is one of the signs of gum disease, and it's the most serious one.

Swollen or Inflamed Gums

If your gums are inflamed, you should consider seeing a dental hygienist because too much exposure to plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis. This is the beginning stage of gum disease and is looked at as a “silent disease” because it doesn't cause pain. The problem with this is that as gingivitis progresses, it can lead to periodontitis or gum disease. If not properly taken care of, it can lead to tooth loss.

Loose Teeth

Another sign that you need a dental cleaning is if you feel the inside of your teeth getting a little loose. The roots of your teeth are covered with a thin layer of tissue called “cementum.” As time goes by, if you are not maintaining you may  find that your teeth become more sensitive and possibly loose as buildup of plaque and tartar exposes the root and damaging the cementum.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is just another sign that you have plaque buildup. This can be prevented by a dental cleaning at 3 to 6 month intervals and flossing regularly. If you don't floss your teeth, you're missing out on removing plaque and tartar from the difficult areas that your toothbrush can't reach. With time, your teeth will become more susceptible to having teeth decay, gum disease and cavities.

Sensitivity to Cold and Heat

One sign that you lack proper dental hygiene is when you feel sensitive to cold or heat. This is because you have worn down the protective enamel layer of your teeth, which is vital in protecting the sensitive dentin inside. When you eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum, the chances are that your teeth are sensitive to temperature.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a concern because it is not only uncomfortable, it causes inflammatory response in the gums and incourages cavity formation. Certain habits can contribute to dry mouth such as; mouth breathing and certain medications, etc. A dental hygienist can assess and give you options to help with dry mouth.

Final Thoughts

Having dental cavities, sensitivity, and bad breath isn't just annoying; it's dangerous to your health. The longer you neglect your oral health, the more the bacteria in your mouth will spread to other parts of your body. Your dental hygienist can tell you if you're at risk of any of these problems based on the symptoms you exhibit.

Stay on top of your oral health with a dental cleaning from MobileDent. We are a dental hygiene service that has been bringing quality care to homes and businesses since 2007. At MobileDent, your health and comfort are the top priority. Request an appointment now!