Over time, multiple factors could allow plaque and tartar to accumulate on the surface of your teeth. Without treatment to remove this buildup, the health and appearance of your smile could suffer. To protect smiles, your Richfield, MN, dentist may suggest a dental cleaning every six months, which helps people of all ages enjoy stronger smiles!
The Dangers of Plaque Buildup
When harmful oral bacteria consume the food particles left between our teeth, particularly sugary and starchy particles, this creates higher levels of oral acidity and coats the teeth in a harmful buildup. This hardens into tartar over time, and is impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone. Unless removed, this buildup could weaken and erode the protective layer of tooth enamel, and also inflame gum tissues. The risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease then rises substantially. The buildup is also linked to bad breath and stained teeth too.
How We Clean Teeth
When you brush and floss daily, this limits how much plaque can accumulate and helps safeguard your teeth and gums. But to remove the plaque completely, you need to see us every six months. With a dental cleaning, we use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove all buildup from the surfaces of the teeth. We then polish the teeth for a smoother finish and a brighter appearance. The process only takes a few minutes, and helps protect your teeth and gums from decay and disease. We suggest one for everyone aged two and older!
The Deep Cleaning
If the buildup has grown severe and caused inflammation, also known as gingivitis, then you need a more in-depth cleaning to either remove inflammation or help manage gum disease to prevent otoh loss. A deep cleaning uses the same ultrasonic scaling device and manual tool. Only remove plaque and tartar from the roots as well. Depending on how severe the plaque is, this could take one visit or up to four. We again polish the teeth, and may recommend a routine visit every three to four months afterward.
If you have any questions about these preventive visits, or about how to properly brush and floss at home, then please don’t hesitate to give us a call! We could love to see you and your family, and help you all enjoy healthy, beautiful, and whole smiles.
Do You Need a Preventive Visit?
Our team wants to help you avoid poor oral health by addressing your plaque and tartar. To find out more about how we protect smiles from cavities and disease with general and preventive visits, then please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188. You can also find us at 1537 E 66th Street, Suite #101 Richfield, MN 55423.
