The goal of preventive dentistry is to help smiles stay strong and free of issues that threaten them, such as tooth decay or gingivitis. One way to help smiles of all ages is with a routine dental cleaning. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we protect your smile with a cleaning every few months, so you can continue to smile with confidence.
The Onset of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Over time, the particles of sugar and starch from the foods and drinks we consume are broken down by bacteria. This creates an elevated level of oral acidity and also coats the teeth in a bacterial byproduct known as plaque. This sticky layer cannot be removed completely with brushing and flossing, and hardens with time in tartar. The buildup is linked to issues like bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and even infection and gingivitis. Without treatment to remove these layers, the risk of periodontal disease is much higher too. To remove these layers and safeguard your smile, you need to undergo a dental cleaning every six months.
Help with a Dental Cleaning
The cleaning procedure is a fairly simple one. With an ultrasonic scaling device, we will use gentle vibrations to help remove layers of plaque and tartar from the teeth. We then use a manual pick to remove the more stubborn portions. Next, we polish the teeth. The polishing not only brightens them, but also makes it harder for plaque and tartar buildup to accumulate before your next visit. The process only takes a few minutes and is essential for keeping your smile healthy and strong.
Proper Brushing and Flossing Habits
While brushing and flossing cannot remove these layers, they can help limit the severity of them, so your overall risk of cavities and other complications is much lower. You should start your day by brushing for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. You do the same before going to bed too. Before you brush that second time, you also need to floss thoroughly, removing what is beyond the reach of a toothbrush. Be sure you floss up and down each side of every tooth, dipping beneath the gums when you do.
If you have any questions about how we can safeguard your smile with preventive cleanings every six months, or if you need to schedule a visit for you or a member of your family, then contact our team today to get started.
Dental Impressions Offers Preventive Dentistry
We want to help smiles of all ages remain strong and free of issues like tooth decay and gingivitis. To learn more about safeguarding teeth and gums with preventive dentistry, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
