You should take time to brush and floss every day to protect your smile. But to remove plaque and tartar completely, you need more than just a toothbrush and floss. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk about the benefits of a preventive dental cleanings every six months.
The Causes of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky bacterial byproduct that coats the teeth and with time hardens into tartar. The buildup cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone, although these actions can limit how much accumulates until you see us for a cleaning. The layers are right on by harmful oral bacteria consuming particles of sugar and starch, which are left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. The layers then coat the teeth and composite the outer enamel to make cavities possible. The risk of gingivitis and gum disease increases as well, as the layers irritate and inflame the gums. The buildup is also linked to increased teeth stains and also a higher risk of bad breath. Which is why periodic removal is so important for your overall oral health.
Removing Buildup
To protect the smile from poor oral health, we need to conduct a dental cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar. We suggest one every six months, as serious oral health issues take several months to form, and this can protect the smile from them. The procedure involves our dental hygienist removing all plaque and tartar buildup using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. The procedure only takes a few minutes, but preserves the health of your teeth and gums. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and a smoother surface. At home, you should continue to brush and floss daily, and cut back on sugar and starch to limit how much plaque can accumulate until we see you again!
What About Deep Cleanings?
Our team also offers a procedure known as a deep cleaning. A scaling and root planing is recommended once the buildup on your smile is so severe, you’re beginning to exhibit the warning signs of gingivitis and gum disease, such as sore, red gums that bleed easily, or gum recession. The procedure can leave the issue in a more manageable state, one we can maintain with traditional cleanings every three to four months moving forward. The procedure involves using the same ultrasonic scaling device and pick as before, but this time on the exposed root portions too!
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX, ABOUT REMOVING PLAQUE BUILDUP
We would like to help your team enjoy optimal oral health again. If you’re ready to schedule a visit and safeguard your oral health, then contact our Sunny Smiles location on N Zaragoza Rd in El Paso, TX at 915-849-9000.