In our last blog, we looked at dental checkups and why a routine exam is crucial for maintaining optimal smile health. Today, we would like to look at another equally important preventive procedure: the dental cleaning. Having your smile professionally cleaned by your El Paso, TX, dentist is essential for protecting yourself from tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Cleaning Away Your Plaque Buildup
Plaque buildup forms on our teeth when bacteria break down food particles trapped on or between the teeth. This bacterial byproduct coats the teeth and over time, weakens the tooth enamel and inflames gum tissue. Which means you eventually develop an increased risk of cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. However, by removing plaque you protect your smile from these serious complications. The process involves the dentist employing an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to carefully remove all plaque from the surface of the teeth. We then polish the teeth. When you leave the office, you leave with a brighter, healthier smile and fresher breath.
The Benefits of Preventive Care
Following treatment, you can take steps to reduce the severity of plaque buildup before the next cleaning visit. We suggest brushing your teeth twice a day, once when you wake up and again before going to bed. Each session should take two minutes, and we recommend a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride. You also need to floss before bed, as flossing removes the trapped food particles that a toothbrush may not be able to reach. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, as a healthier diet can protect your smile’s health and stability. Finally, make time to see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning. The checkup lets us identify problems in the earliest stages, and the cleaning, as we discussed, is the only way to remove the dangerous layers of plaque and tartar from your smile!
The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
What if we find you have gingivitis, or have developed the early stages of gum disease? In these scenarios, you may benefit from a deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing. A more substantial treatment, this removes plaque from both the teeth and the roots. The procedure usually takes between one and four visits, depending on the extent of your buildup. The procedure reverses gingivitis and helps manage gum disease to prevent the advanced stage responsible for adult tooth loss.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO KEEP YOUR SMILE BRIGHT
Our Sunny Smiles team wants to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy with routine general care. To learn more about protecting your smile, please call our East El Paso location on N. Zaragoza Road at 915-849-9000!