Over time, various factors could lead to the onset of plaque buildup. These layers can harden with time into tartar, and without removal, could leave smiles vulnerable to concerns like tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, we can remove these harmful layers! In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about dental cleanings.
Harmful Buildup
Plaque is a bacterial byproduct that forms when harmful oral bacteria consume particles of sugar and starch left behind by our food and drink. This not only elevates oral acidity, but creates the layers of plaque that coat the teeth. The layers cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone, and will harden into tartar with time. Unless removed, these layers could cause enamel erosion and an increased risk of tooth decay and infection. They could also irritate and inflame gum tissues to cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. You’re also more likely to develop teeth stains and bad breath. But with a professional cleaning, we can remove layers of plaque and tartar from the teeth completely.
Traditional Dental Cleanings
The cleaning is an essential part of your dental checkup visit. Our team will use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to gently but thoroughly break up and remove all layers of plaque and tartar from on and between the teeth, and along the gum line. The procedure takes only a short time, and is beneficial for kids and adults alike. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and a smoother surface. At home, you and your family need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and floss every evening before you brush the second time, to remove particles that could feed harmful bacteria. This limits the severity of buildup in the time between cleanings, and helps keep your smile bright and healthy. Reducing your consumption of sugar and starch is helpful too!
Scaling and Root Planings
What if your buildup is so severe, it also forms on exposed portions of the roots? At this stage you have gingivitis, or the early stages of gum disease, and management to protect your smile means we need to remove buildup from the teeth and roots. We do so with a scaling and root planing, which can take one visit or up to four, depending on the severity of your buildup. We will numb your smile to keep you comfortable, and again polish your teeth at the end of the procedure.
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Protects the Health of Your Smile
We want to help safeguard your smile and keep your teeth and gums healthy. For more information on fighting plaque and tartar buildup, then call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 to schedule a visit.
