While brushing and flossing are vital for your oral health, you also need to have a professional cleaning too. In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist will explain what makes these treatments so essential for kids and adults alike, and how we use them to lower the risk of everything from cavities and gum disease, to bad breath and teeth stains.
The Causes of Plaque and Tartar
Over time, buildup could begin to coat our teeth. Known as plaque, this occurs as harmful oral bacteria breaks down food particles caught in or between the teeth. The sticky buildup can’t be removed with brushing and flossing, and hardens into tartar over time. Unless removed, the buildup could begin to irritate and inflame gum tissues, leading to higher risks of gingivitis and gum disease, and could also weaken and erode enamel, enabling cavities and infection to form. To keep smiles healthy and bright, you need a cleaning to remove this buildup at least twice a year!
The Dental Cleaning
The dental cleaning process employs an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove all plaque from the surfaces of smiles both young and old. We suggest one every six months to prevent oral health complications. The process only takes a few minutes, and is completed by the team polishing your teeth, leading to a brighter smile and smoother finish on the teeth. The treatment also helps prevent major discoloration and fights bad breath! Brushing and flossing your teeth at home then helps limit how much plaque could accumulate in between your six months visits.
Scaling and Root Planing
If you experience warning signs of gingivitis or gum disease, such as sore, red gums that bleed easily, then you my need more than a simple cleaning. With a deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing, our team breaks up and removes the buildup from tooth the teeth and the roots as well. The procedure could take between one and four visits, depending on the extent of the buildup, and helps reverse gingivitis or manage periodontal disease. Afterward, regular cleanings will be recommended, usually every three to four months for those with periodontal disease. If you have any questions about avoiding disease and decay, or about the process of keeping your teeth clean, then contact our team today to learn more.
Your Richfield, MN Dentist’s Office Provides Clean Teeth
At our Richfield, MN dentist’s office, we can help remove harmful bacterial byproduct from the teeth of kids and adults alike. To find out more about improving overall oral health with preventive treatments and regular six-month visits, then please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188.
