Our team knows that plaque and tartar forms on our smile over time, and this could lead to issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Which is why we want to remove these layers from your smile every six months! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about protecting your smile with a dental cleaning.
The Onset of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
How does plaque and tartar buildup form on our smiles? Over time, harmful oral bacteria will break down and consume the particles of sugar and starch left behind by our meals and beverages. When this happens, a sticky layer of plaque is created, which coats the teeth. Over time, this hardens into tartar. While brushing and flossing can help limit buildup severity, this cannot remove it completely. Without removal, the layers can weaken and erode the outer enamel to cause cavities and infection. The same layers can also irritate and inflame the gums so the risk of gingivitis and gum disease is much higher. You could also be more susceptible to bad breath and teeth stains! But we can help with a dental cleaning.
The Dental Cleaning
How do we remove these harmful layers from your teeth? With a dental cleaning, we will use an ultrasonic scaling device, which emits gentle vibrations to help remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. We then use a manual tool to remove any stubborn portions of tartar. Afterward, we will polish the teeth to brighten them and also make it more difficult for these layers to form on your teeth before you see us again in six months. If you have symptoms of gum disease, we could conduct a deep cleaning that removes buildup from the teeth, roots, and beneath the gum line to manage the disease and protect you from the stages linked to adult tooth loss!
Controlling Plaque Buildup
Along with a cleaning every six months, you can also take steps to improve your oral hygiene and limit buildup until we can see you again. For example, cut back on the sugar and starch in your diet, and make time to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every evening. These actions can help reduce the severity of these layers in between your six-month office visits. If you have any questions about how we clean your teeth, or if you would like to schedule a visit for you or a member of your family, then contact our office today!
Dental Impressions Safeguard Smiles with Dental Cleaning
We want to help protect your teeth from issues like tooth decay and gum disease. To schedule an appointment and protect your smile, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
