When we see you every six months for a dental cleaning, we can help improve your smile and prevent the onset of serious issues, such as tooth decay or even gum disease. Which is why even if you take time to brush and floss daily, you should see our team for a thorough dental cleaning! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist explains why this is so essential for your oral health, and why you need one twice a year!
The Impact of Plaque and Tartar
Over time, when we eat and drink there could be particles of sugar and starch left behind by our meals and beverages. When this happens, harmful oral bacteria will consume these particles, a process that breaks them down and elevates oral acidity. The teeth become coated in plaque buildup, a sticky layer that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove, which hardens with time into tartar. The layers can weaken outer enamel to cause cavities, and could inflame the gums to cause gingivitis and even gum disease. The buildup is also linked to bad breath and teeth stains. To protect your smile, we can remove these layers with a dental cleaning.
The Cleaning Process
Our team will use an ultrasonic scaling device, which emits gentle vibrations, to remove the buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. We also have a manual pick to remove the more stubborn portions of tartar among the gum line. The procedure only takes a few minutes and we complete it by polishing the teeth for a brighter appearance, and a smoother surface that plaque and tartar have a difficult time clinging to. This can fight cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and even teeth stains, so you and your whole family can enjoy optimal oral health!
Periodontal Cleaning
What if you have buildup AND periodontal disease is present? In a situation like this, we may offer a deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing. With this option, our team can remove the buildup from both the teeth and the exposed roots, and from under the gums too. Since this is more involved, we numb your smile and the process could take more than one visit. But we can then better manage the issue so you avoid symptoms and complications like tooth loss.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like gum disease, or about safeguarding your smile, then reach out to our team today to learn more and start the treatment process.
Dental Impressions Cleans Your Smile
With routine care every few months, we can better safeguard your smile for years to come. To schedule an appointment and safeguard your gum health, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
