If we brush and floss our teeth every day, isn’t that enough to keep our teeth clean and strong? Unfortunately, while vital for your oral health, brushing and flossing isn’t quite enough to keep smiles free of issues like tooth decay and gum disease. For that, you need to see your Newhall, CA, dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning.
The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar
Over time, any food particles that remain trapped between your teeth will be consumed by harmful oral bacteria. In the process of consuming these particles, bacteria begin coating the teeth in a layer of plaque, which over time hardens into tartar. While brushing and flossing can help reduce how much plaque accumulates, to cannot remove the buildup from the teeth. Layers of plaque and tartar may then weaken and erode tooth enamel, and inflame gum tissues, increasing the risk of serious concerns like tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and even gum disease.
The Cleaning Process
The only way to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth is with a professional dental cleaning. Every six months, we want to use an ultrasonic scaler and manual tool to break up and remove the buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. We then polish the teeth for a smoother finish and more attractive appearance. Along with lowering the risks of cavities and gum disease, this procedure is also linked to fresher breath and brighter teeth. The process only takes a few minutes to complete! If you have high risk factors for gum disease, then we may need to remove buildup every three to four months instead, which help us prevent or manage gum disease.
The Benefits of the Exam
The visit isn’t just about removing buildup and improving periodontal health. We also take a close look at your smile to identify common oral health issues, ranging from cavities and gum disease to TMJ disorder, bruxism (teeth grinding), and even oral cancer. The sooner we identify these concerns, the sooner we can create a treatment plan to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. If you have any questions about removing plaque, or about proper brushing and flossing in between six-month visits, then contact our team today. We want to help you and your family enjoy strong, and beautiful smiles that last for many years to come.
Does Your Smile Need to Be Cleaned?
Our team believes in a preventive approach to dental care, which keeps your smile strong, healthy, and beautiful. We also have lifelike restorations and cosmetic treatments to help you enjoy your best possible smile. To learn more about how we prevent issues like cavities and gum disease, then please schedule a consultation by calling Newhall Dental Arts in Newhall, CA, today at (661) 259-7760.