When was the last time you visited the dentist for a cleaning and exam? If it has been longer than you would like to admit, we would be happy to schedule a visit at your earliest convenience! While routine cleaning may not seem that involved, this practice is vital to preserving your oral health. Removing plaque and tartar deposits that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease helps you maintain a healthy smile without the need for more restorative treatments. When you attend your cleanings every six months, we can build a dental record that alerts us when changes occur in your oral cavity.
At your Ankeny, IA dental practice, we encourage taking action to stop cavities before they can start! By combining your at-home brushing and flossing routine with professional cleanings, you can safeguard your smile from the harm of bacteria that live within our mouths. By understanding the importance of preventing oral threats, you can enjoy a lifelong healthy smile!
How Plaque Builds On Your Smile
At any given time, thousands of strains of bacteria live inside your mouth, eager to eat sugar and starch from the food and drinks you enjoy. While we need certain bacteria to maintain our health, clearing away plaque deposits is key to maintaining a sturdy smile. Left unclean, plaque forms a sticky film on the surface of your teeth that leaves an unsightly yellow tint and can wear at the enamel. As bacteria feed, they produce an acidic waste product that contributes to permanent holes, or cavities. This buildup can also cause gum inflammation, leaving you at risk for gingivitis and more advanced forms of gum infection.
The Benefit Of Professional Cleaning
By scheduling a cleaning every six months, you can enjoy the professional removal of any plaque and tartar that your brush cannot handle on your own at home. Because we inspect your smile thoroughly at every visit, we can let you know if certain parts of your grin require a little extra attention. If we discover more advanced problems, such as gum disease, we can refer you to additional treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance
To treat gum disease, we can perform a scaling and root planing procedure that goes below your gumline to remove bacterial deposits. Caught in its first stage, this treatment can reverse your infection or continue to hold it at bay once the infection reaches the jawbone. Depending on the extent of your infection, this practice could take from one to four visits to complete.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA, Dentist About Preventive Dental Care
If you would like to find out more about our preventive dental services, please contact our Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at (515) 207-6182 to schedule a visit.
