A dental cleaning can help safeguard your smile from the onset of issues ranging from tooth decay to gum disease. This is because the procedure removes all harmful plaque and tartar buildup. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentist talks about how we remove the harmful buildup and lower the risk of serious complications.
The Cause of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
When we consume foods and drinks with lots of sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles that cling to the teeth or become stuck between them. If we don’t brush and floss properly this allows the particles to remain for harmful oral bacteria to consume, a process that coats the teeth in a layer of plaque buildup. Plaque makes discoloration more likely, and can lead to bad breath. This also hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed with brushing and flossing. The buildup also weakens enamel to make cavities more likely, and can inflame gum tissue to cause gingivitis and eventually, gum disease. To avoid worsening oral health, you need a professional cleaning to remove the buildup.
Removal With a Cleaning
A dental cleaning is a procedure that involves the removal of the plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. The process takes one visit, and we then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and a smoother finish. For kids and adults alike, this can help lower the risk of future cavities, fight gingivitis, and keep gum disease at bay. This also freshens the breath and prevents major discoloration.
Limiting Future Buildup
In addition to removing plaque and tartar with six month cleanings, you can also limit the severity with good oral hygiene habits. First, make sure you’re cutting back on how many foods and drinks you consume with high amounts of sugar and starch. You also need to brush in the morning and again at night for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing before bed is crucial too. These actions remove the trapped food and drink particles that bacteria can break them down to create plaque and tartar.
If you have any questions about how we protect your oral health with a preventive cleaning visit, or if you would like to schedule one for yourself or a member of your family, then contact our team today to learn more. We can also discuss deep cleaning if you have warning signs of gingivitis and gum disease.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX, ABOUT KEEPING TEETH CLEAN
Our team wants to help safeguard smiles in your family. If you’re ready to schedule a visit to keep your teeth and gums strong, then contact our Sunny Smiles location on N Zaragoza Rd in El Paso, TX at 915-849-9000.