Sciota, Pennsylvania
Dental problems usually happen when people neglect their oral health, including their biannual visits to the dentist for routine checkups and professional cleanings. These visits allow our family dentist in Sciota to examine your teeth and mouth thoroughly, helping us discover any potential issues early, before they become big problems down the road. Let’s look today at five reasons to get a dental cleaning before it’s too late.
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Cavities
Cavities are caused by tooth decay that has formed on the surface of teeth. Bacteria in our mouths produce acids that help break down sugars from the foods and drinks we consume. Without a proper oral hygiene regimen to rid the mouth of these acids, they will combine with saliva and food particles to form a sticky film on the teeth called plaque. Without intervention, the acids in plaque erode the teeth’s enamel, creating tiny holes through the surface of the teeth. Those holes are cavities. Routine checkups at our Sciota dental office can catch cavities before they have time to progress deeper into the tooth, which can lead to pain, potential infection and even possibly tooth loss.
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Gum disease
Most all American adults have had some level of gum disease before, though it’s preventable with strong oral hygiene practices like brushing twice a day, flossing once daily and visiting the dentist twice a year for preventative treatments. Gum disease, in its initial stage, is called gingivitis, and it can usually be reversed with a stronger oral health care regimen at home. In its most serious form, called periodontitis, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease isn’t just a problem that’s isolated to the mouth; it provokes a person’s immune system by causing chronic inflammation and can cause life-threatening health complications, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes if the harmful bacteria in the mouth enter the bloodstream.
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Fresher breath
During your twice-a-year checkup with our caring dental team in Sciota, we remove any plaque, tartar and bacteria — all culprits of foul-smelling breath — that have built up in areas of your mouth that are difficult for a toothbrush and floss to reach, such as under the gumline. We will also check for any signs of gum disease, cavities and other oral health issues that can contribute to stubborn and persistent bad breath, which is also called halitosis.
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Whiter teeth
Teeth become discolored as we age, whether from tooth enamel thinning over time, prescription medications we take or — most likely — from staining foods and beverages we regularly enjoy, including coffee, tea, dark soda, red wine, tomato-based sauces, chocolate and dark berries. Tartar buildup can also make teeth appear yellow. During a routine cleaning, our dental hygienist removes any tartar buildup from your teeth and uses a mildly abrasive toothpaste to clean and polish their surfaces. This helps remove stains. If you’re still unhappy with the shade of your teeth after a professional cleaning, be sure to ask us about our cosmetic teeth-whitening options that can drastically brighten your smile in under an hour!
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Confident smile
We all feel better about ourselves when we look our very best, and our smile is one of our most noticed and valuable assets. It’s important to take care of it. Be sure you’re making and keeping two appointments a year with us at Quiet Valley Dental. Between your appointments, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste and floss at least once daily at home. If you’re unhappy with the aesthetics of your smile, be sure to talk with us about the cosmetic dental treatments we offer so that we can help ensure you have the smile of your dreams!
Family dentist in Sciota, PA
Like almost everything else in life, prevention is better than a cure when it comes to your dental health. Regular dental checkups help you keep a whiter, brighter, healthier smile, which translates into a healthy, happy and confident you. Is it time for one of your two dental appointments this year? If so, call Quiet Valley Dental at (570) 865-7850 or reach out to us online to schedule your appointment today.
