Maintaining your oral hygiene is a daily responsibility that leads to clean smiles. If it has been a while since you last scheduled an appointment to clean your teeth, it is never too late to get back in the dental chair. When you stick to a semiannual attendance schedule, your dentist can remove plaque and tartar deposits beyond the capability of your brush at home. These routine checkups allow them to inspect your entire mouth for points of concern and let you know if any additional treatments are required to maintain good health. If it looks like parts of your smile are not being brushed properly, we can consult your technique and help you improve your efforts. By taking a preventive attitude toward your oral care, regular dental visits help you nip decay in the bud before it can do real damage to your smile.
At your Ankeny, IA dental practice, we suggest making at least two visits per year to our office for a cleaning and exam. This meeting helps us keep your teeth clean and treat any existing cavities before they grow further in scope. Your exams can also catch any gum infections which if detected in their first stage can be reversible.
When Oral Bacteria Damage Your Teeth And Gums
The substance that damages the integrity of your oral tissues, dental plaque, can build within anyone’s mouth. Forming a sticky film on the surface of your teeth, plaque is the result of oral bacteria feeding on debris from your meals and snacks. Bacteria particularly thrive on sugar which is why a sweet tooth can cause so many cavities! Left untreated, plaque buildup emits acid as it continues to feed and grow. As this byproduct hits your enamel, your protective mineral layer weakens and eventually forms permanent holes. By brushing twice per day, you remove this surface threat and stop the production of harmful acids. You must also floss between each tooth to reach deposits that your brush cannot touch.
Treating Cavities
If we detect a cavity at your checkup, we suggest treating it right away to protect the integrity of your tooth. Using special tools, we drill out decaying material and smooth the remaining structure. To prevent reinfection, we must seal your tooth to restore the protective layer. Depending on the size and location of your carry, we could place a filling or crown to complete your restoration.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA, Dentist About Scheduling A Checkup
When you commit to maintaining a healthy smile, your dentist is your partner in keeping your teeth clean. With daily oral hygiene and semi-annual dental exams, you can prevent decay and disease from harming your mouth. To schedule a visit, please call our Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at (515)965-0230. We also serve patients from Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.
