You may know that regular dental cleanings and checkups are a part of life, but what you may not know is why this maintenance is so important. Not only do checkups keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but they can also ward off big problems that would affect your overall health. 


Chronic Gum Disease
If you have chronic gum disease, you’re at a greater risk for a stroke or heart attack. Even if the issue isn’t that serious, though, gum disease can lead to painful oral infections, called abscesses. Gum disease leads to extra space between the gums and teeth, and bacteria can get caught and grow here, leading to painful infections. Proper maintenance and regular cleanings can prevent this. 


Types of Cavities
There are three basic types of cavities: root; pit and fissure; and smooth-surface. If any of these types of cavities go untreated, that could mean more than minor discomfort - it could lead to an abscess or, worse, loss of your tooth. Your dentist will be able to detect when these cavities begin in order to fix the problem before it gets worse. 


Teeth Decay and Underlying Problems
Teeth decay has to be caught, fixed and prevented before it becomes more of a problem. However, tooth decay can also point to a bigger problem: diabetes. People who have more decay than the average person may want to make sure there’s not an underlying problem, like diabetes. 


Bad Breath
Even if you don’t have any of the above issues, it’s still a good idea to get regular cleanings, if only to keep your breath smelling sweet. When plaque, bacteria and food particles build up, halitosis, or bad breath, can occur. Regular cleanings prevent this issue, as well as detect if your halitosis is coming from a bigger problem, like acid reflux or dry mouth. 


If it’s time to book a dental cleaning, contact your local trusted Ottawa’s dental centre, Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre.