When you have serious plaque buildup, then you could have bad breath, stained teeth, and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease! Which is why you should see us twice a year to have all plaque gently and thoroughly removed from your teeth. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about dental cleanings.
The Dangers of Buildup
When you have a diet high in sugar and starch, and don’t brush and floss properly, this allows these particles of sugar and starch to be consumed by harmful oral bacteria. As bacteria consume these particles, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque buildup. These layers then harden into tartar with time. Brushing and flossing alone cannot remove them, and over time, these can irritate and inflame gum tissues to cause gingivitis or even gum disuse. Buildup is also linked to tooth decay, bad breath, and teeth stains. Which is why a procedure to remove them is so essential, and why we recommend a dental cleaning.
Traditional Dental Cleanings
We suggest a visit every six months for everyone ages two and older. These cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong. With an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick, we will gently and thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. We then polish the smile to make it more difficult for buildup to cling to your smile before the next visit. The polishing process also brightens your teeth too. In between these visits, be sure you brush for two minutes when you wake up and again before going to bed. You should use a fluoride toothpaste and also floss every evening before you brush for the second time. These actions help limit the severity of plaque and tartar before we see you again. You also help by cutting back on sugar and starch in your diet.
Scaling and Root Planing
A deep cleaning may be necessary if you already exhibit warning signs of poor periodontal health, such as sore, red gums that bleed easily. A deep cleaning can reverse gingivitis or bring gum disease into a manageable state. We use the ultrasonic scaling device to not only remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, but to smooth out the roots and remove buildup, from there too. This could take one to two visits on average, and we will numb your smile to keep you comfortable. We again polish your teeth afterward, and may suggest a traditional cleaning every three to four months afterward.
Speak With Your Katy, TX, Dentist About Preventive Dentistry
We would love to help you enjoy your best possible smile with our general dental procedures. Talk to our team about scheduling a visit to have your teeth cleaned by calling us at Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at (832) 437-3849!
