A dental cleaning is a professional treatment that enables our team to thoroughly remove all harmful buildup for your teeth. This could help fight issues like tooth decay and even gum disease! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist looks at why smiles of all ages need a professional dental cleaning.
The Onset of Plaque and Tartar
Over time, the sugar and starch in the foods and drinks we consume can become trapped on or between the teeth. Harmful oral bacteria will break them down, consuming them in a process that elevates the level of oral acidity in your mouth. This process also coats the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque, which hardens with time into tartar. The buildup cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. If left in place, this can weaken and erode the outer enamel to cause cavities. The same layers can irritate and infame the gums to cause issues like gingivitis and gum disease. You also have a higher risk of bad breath and teeth stains. But we can help with a routine dental cleaning.
Dental Cleanings
We recommend one every six months for patients of all ages, from kids as young as age two to adults and even seniors. The procedure only takes a few minutes and involves the use of an ultrasonic scaling device to remove the layers. The device emits gentle vibrations to break up the buildup. We then use a manual pick to remove any stubborn portions of buildup. We then complicate the process by polishing your teeth, which makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate before your next appointment. This also helps brighten your smile!
Scaling and Root Planing
We also have a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, which we use to help people who have gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease. This involves removing buildup from the surfaces of the teeth, as well as the roots. We then remove any buildup from beneath the gums and destroy harmful pockets of bacteria. This is more involved and could take multiple visits to finish for some patients, and again polish the teeth to complete it.
If you have any questions about helping your smile with a routine dental cleaning, or if you would like to schedule one now, then contact our team to learn more and get started. We want to help you and your family enjoy healthy and beautiful smiles for years to come!
Dental Impressions Provides Cleaner Smiles
Our team is ready to help you avoid the onset of issues such as tooth decay and even gum disease. To schedule your appointment and learn more about removing harmful buildup, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
