Do you attend every one of your semiannual dentist visits? If it has been a long time since you last scheduled an appointment, get back on track to continue the fight against plaque. At each meeting with your dentist, you give yourself the opportunity to remove the cavity-causing material that accumulates between your teeth when you do not properly clean them. For the health and beauty of your smile, waiting until you feel an ache in your tooth is often too late to prevent the onset of tooth decay. This means that by taking preventive action to keep your teeth clean, you may avoid more costly involved procedures when treating the effects of decaying teeth. Your dentist can inspect the efforts of your daily oral hygiene routine and give guidance on correct brushing and flossing techniques. When they discover tartar formations that you cannot clean on your own, your dental team will use special tools for their removal.
At your Ankeny, IA, dental practice, we encourage all of our patients to attend checkups and cleanings at least every six months. This provides a check-in to both prevent and detect cavity development from bacterial plaques. When we do discover a cavity, we will promptly remove decaying material and place a restoration to strengthen your tooth. This helps stop the advance of decay and maintains the health of your smile!
How Dental Plaque Causes Disease
Dental plaque is the resulting combination of oral bacteria and debris from food and drink that builds upon the surfaces of your teeth. As bacteria feed, they produce an acidic byproduct that weakens your enamel. Left untreated, your enamel eventually forms tiny holes, or cavities, that permanently alter the structure of your tooth and further expose its inner material. This is why your daily brushing and flossing habit is the first line of defense in preventing plaque accumulation and the formation of cavities. By attending your routine cleanings, your dentist helps you remove plaque and inspects your teeth to detect any existing signs of decay.
Treating Tooth Decay With Dental Fillings
When your dentist discovers a cavity, they will recommend removing it right away. Because the removal process leaves a hole within your enamel, they must place a restoration to prevent future reinfection from bacteria within your mouth. Depending upon the size and location of your cavity, a tooth-colored dental filling can blend in with your tooth’s appearance and return support.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA, Dentist About Treating And Preventing Tooth Decay
The combination of daily oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist can help prevent tooth decay caused by surface plaques. If you would like to find out more about our practice or have questions about other oral health concerns, please call your Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
