Family Dentistry in Kitchener, Waterloo

Dr. Anil Shetty- Kitchener, Waterloo family dentist near you encourages regular checkups to maintain proper oral health.

Why Is It Important to Have a Family Dentist Near You?

A family dentist who is familiar with the idiosyncrasies of your oral health can save you money, stress, and time, as well as ensure that you have the best oral health possible. Since a family dentist near you in Kitchener-Waterloo will have your dental history, they’ll be able to recognize an abscess, cyst, loss of jawbone, caries between the teeth, a fracture, or a tumor that someone who was unfamiliar with your mouth might miss. Most dentists now screen for oral cancer, which accounts for about 3 percent of all new cancers annually. Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer, and those who drink and smoke have an even higher risk.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that you have checkups and cleanings twice annually, more if recommended by your Kitchener-Waterloo dentist. Your dentist may notice the early signs of issues such as bruxism or TMJ and be able to halt their progress.

Losing your teeth as you age isn’t inevitable. Maintaining proper oral hygiene throughout your life can help your teeth last throughout your lifetime. If you need to schedule an exam or cleaning, then call our family dentistry and we’ll schedule an appointment for you. Don’t procrastinate, call us today and save your teeth. We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.

How Do I Know If I’m Developing Plaque on My Teeth?

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque can begin to form and you probably won’t be aware of it until your dentist finds it during your routine tooth cleaning. Plaque is a very hard substance that can only be removed by a professional dentist or hygienist. It often forms on the backs of the teeth, so you won’t know that you have it.

When you notice a fuzzy feeling on your teeth, this is the bacteria forming. It will continue to accumulate until it’s removed through brushing and flossing. Rinsing with mouthwash will help, but it won’t remove all of the bacteria like brushing and flossing. If you need to schedule a routine cleaning, then call Midtown Smiles Dental Care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Anil Shetty.

How Do I Know If I’m Developing Gingivitis?

Since gingivitis is relatively painless at first, you may have it but be unaware of it. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of gingivitis, so if you notice them, then call our family dentistry in Kitchener – Midtown Smiles Dental Care right away and make an appointment with one of our dentists. Symptoms may include:

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• Changes in your bite
• Discolored gums that are purplish or dark red
• Loose teeth
• Sensitivity to cold or heat
• Swollen gums
• Very bad breath that doesn’t dissipate

If you notice any of these symptoms, then you’re probably in the early stages of gingivitis and should see your dentist. Eliminating plaque on a regular basis will help keep gingivitis out of your mouth, but it’s important to address it promptly when you notice the symptoms of it.

Are Cavities Avoidable?

Cavities, or dental caries, are the most common chronic childhood disease. Teaching your child good dental hygiene at an early age sets a lifelong habit of good dental hygiene habits. If you notice any of the following, then you may be developing a cavity or you may have one already:

• Pain when biting or chewing
• Holes or pits in your teeth
• Sensitivity to sugar, cold, or hot foods or drinks
• Sudden toothache

Left untreated, cavities can become abscessed, which can be a life-threatening situation, so it’s vital that you promptly treat any cavities that may develop, regardless of your age.