Every six months, even if you brush and floss daily, we want to conduct a dental cleaning for your smile. A cleaning is helpful for kids and adults, and is crucial for protecting the health of your teeth and gums. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about the need for routine dental cleanings!
The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Over time, even if you brush and floss daily, harmful oral bacteria can break down and consume the particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. This creates a sticky layer of bacterial byproduct known as plaque, which coats the teeth and with time, hardens into tartar. The layers can weaken and erode the outer enamel, making the onset of cavities possible. The same layers also irritate the gums and could be responsible for gingivitis and even a higher risk of gum disease. They are also linked to bad breath and even stained teeth. Which is why we want to completely remove these layers every six months with a dental cleaning, helping every member of your family!
Help with a Routine Cleaning
During your routine six-month exam visit, our team will use an ultrasonic scaling device to help remove the buildup. The device emits gentle vibrations to help remove the layers of plaque and tartar. For any remaining stubborn portions, we can remove them with a manual pick. Afterward, our team will polish the teeth to limit the ability for plaque and tartar to accumulate in between your six months visits. This also helps brighten your smile! For people with symptoms of gum disease, we could conduct a scaling and root planing, a more involved process that removes buildup from the teeth and roots, and is usually followed by traditional cleanings every three to four months to control buildup and manage gum disease.
Controlling Buildup From Home
While brushing and flossing cannot prevent all plaque, this can limit how much can form in between your visits to our office. So, you and your family still need to brush twice a day for two minutes, in the morning and at night. Each time we suggest using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Flossing every evening is crucial as well, and you should try to limit the amount of sugar and starch in your diet.
If you have any questions about how our team can protect your teeth and gums with a simple dental visit every six months, or if you would like to schedule one for you and your family, then reach out to our office today!
Dental Impressions Offers A Preventive Approach
General dentistry can help safeguard your teeth and gums! To schedule your appointment and learn more about preventive dentistry, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
