When you have plaque and tartar buildup coating your teeth, this could mean serious trouble for the health and even the beauty of your teeth. The buildup could also impact your gum health in a negative way. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about our dental cleanings.
Plaque Buildup and Poor Gum Health
Plaque is a bacterial byproduct that’s created when harmful oral bacteria consume the particles of sugar and starch left behind by your food and drink. As these particles are consumed, the level of oral acidity in your smile elevates, and the teeth are coated in a sticky layer of plaque, which can harden with time into tartar. The buildup cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone, and could weaken and erode the outer enamel to make cavities more likely. The same layers also irritate and inflame the gingival tissues, so you’re more vulnerable to gingivitis and gum disease. Plaque also leads to teeth stains and bad breath as well. Which is why removing these layers regularly helps protect your smile.
Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning is a preventive procedure that benefits kids and adults alike, and should happen every six months during your routine exam appointments. The process involves our hygienists removing the layers of plaque and tartar from the teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick. We then polish the teeth thoroughly for a smoother finish and a brighter appearance. Then at home, you can brush and floss daily, and cut back on sugary and starchy items in your diet, to help limit how much plaque and tartar can accumulate until your next cleaning visit.
Scaling and Root Planings
If we see you have severe buildup and exhibit the warning signs of gingivitis and gum disease, we can improve your gum health with a deep cleaning. Also known as a scaling and root planing, this involves removing the buildup from the teeth and the exposed roots as well. This is more involved, and can take one visit or up to four. We administer a local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure, and will polish your smile afterward.
If you have any questions about improving your gum health with a routine dental cleaning, or if you would like to schedule one for yourself or for a member of your family, then contact our team today to learn more.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT KEEPING TEETH CLEAN
Our team wants to help you maintain your healthiest smile! If you would like to find out more about removing harmful buildup, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
