To protect smiles and help prevent the onset of issues like tooth decay and periodontal disease, we can recommend a cleaning every six months. With a dental cleaning, our team can take on the buildup that impacts teeth and gums. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about prevention with a routine dental cleaning.
The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar
When you eat foods and consume beverages with a lot of sugar, these particles can remain trapped on or between the teeth. The same goes for foods with a lot of starch. When bacteria consume these particles, this can elevate the levels of oral acidity and leave your smile vulnerable to tooth decay. This only increases as the plaque hardens into tartar and weakens the outer enamel. The inflammation in the gums could also lead to the onset of gingivitis and periodontal disease. The same layers could also increase the risk of bad breath and even stained teeth. But we can remove these layers completely to help protect the health and beauty of your smile!
Dental Cleanings
A cleaning should happen every six months for patients of all ages, even kids as young as age two. When you visit us for a checkup and cleaning, we will take time to remove all the plaque and tartar from the teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device. This emits gentle vibrations to break up and remove plaque and tartar. We also use a manual tool for any stubborn portions of tartar along the gum line. The procedure only takes a few minutes and helps improve your overall oral health! We then polish the teeth to not only leave them brighter, but to make it harder for layers to form in the months to come. You can also take stops at home to limit how much plaque and tartar can accumulate before you see our team again.
Care at Home
At home, we suggest you brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the evening. Each time should take about two minutes, and we suggest a toothbrush with soft results and a fluoride toothpaste, so you avoid enamel damage and actually strengthen that protective layer. You should also floss every evening before you brush that second time, using the tape to clean up and down each side of every tooth, dislodging trapped particles beyond the reach of a toothbrush.
If you have any questions about keeping your teeth clean, then contact our team today to learn more.
Dental Impressions Talks About Protecting Your Teeth and Gums
General dental care can help safeguard smiles both young and old. To schedule an appointment for preventive dentistry, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
