Cleaning your teeth is one of the most important parts of your preventive dental care routine, and it includes what you do at home as well as what happens during your cleaning appointments. However, despite knowing the basics of good dental hygiene (i.e., brushing and flossing your teeth regularly), you may not always be perfect at cleaning your teeth. Even if you don’t see it, there may be plenty of food particles and oral bacteria lingering around to cause trouble later. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, helping you keep your teeth clean during and between your regular appointments is one of the most important preventive measures we offer.
The things you don’t see
You don’t always see the biggest threats to your oral health. Over time, the buildup of harmful plaque and tartar can become obvious. However, until it does, bacteria continue building plaque on your teeth, and it may calcify into tartar before you see it. That’s why thoroughly cleaning every surface of your teeth when you brush and floss is important, even if it doesn’t seem as though there’s anything on them. For improved results, ask your dentist if you should consider rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash, as well.
What “too late” means
Once plaque calcifies into tartar, it can no longer be removed with toothpaste and water. The film and the bacteria that it holds will remain, growing stronger until they can affect the integrity of your teeth and gums. While it may be too late to remove tartar at home, it isn’t too late to have it removed by your dentist or hygienist by attending a checkup and cleaning appointment at least once every six months.
Schedule a cleaning appointment today
Keeping your teeth clean is an important part of your dental care, as well as your everyday hygiene routine. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in the East, Northeast, and Westside of El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.