When you were a kid, going to the dentist and hearing "no cavities" was a cause for celebration. As an adult, making time for a teeth cleaning appointment isn't always easy when you have a busy schedule. Skipping those appointments can be detrimental to your oral health, though. If you've thought about putting off your next checkup appointment, consider these reasons to keep it on the calendar. 

Why You Shouldn't Skip Dental Checkups and Cleanings 

1. Avoid Gum Disease

Brushing and flossing every day goes a long way toward preventing cavities and keeping your mouth healthy. However, your mouth is still full of bacteria, and when that bacteria feeds on the sugars left behind when you eat, it forms sticky plaque. If plaque isn't completely removed, it forms tartar on your teeth, which can only be removed by the dentist using special tools. 

If you skip tooth cleaning, tartar can build up on your teeth, eventually creating pockets in between your gums and teeth, where bacteria thrive. Eventually, this bacteria can affect your gums and tooth roots, causing gum disease. Early gum disease can be treated, but as it progresses, it can lead to tooth loss, infections, and other consequences that are easily avoided with proper dental care. 

2. Prevent Cavities 

Even the most diligent tooth brusher can miss spots, and over time, those spots can begin harboring bacteria that cause tooth decay. Cavities start small — sometimes smaller than the head of a pin — so seeing the dentist for a checkup and teeth cleaning ensures that any problems are caught well before they lead to more severe decay. 

Your dentist can treat tiny cavities when they are caught early, and you won't need to deal with getting a major filling or a root canal if the decay spreads into the root of the tooth. 

3. Preserve Your Health 

In addition to getting your teeth sparkling clean, teeth cleaning appointments also give the dentist a chance to examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer. The earlier oral cancer (which includes cancers of the tongue, cheeks, lips, throat, sinuses, and more) is caught, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Keeping your teeth clean can also help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease because the bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, which causes inflammation in the heart. This is linked to endocarditis (an infection of the heart's inner lining), clogged arteries, and stroke. 

If you need a teeth cleaning, make an appointment at North Chautauqua Dental in Dunkirk, NY. This full-service, friendly dental practice offers a range of services, from comprehensive cleanings and exams to cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Serving local families since 1980, they are known for their expert care in a comfortable environment. Call (716) 366-6822 today for an appointment and visit them online to find out more.