Over time, a variety of factors could lead to plaque buildup coating the surfaces of your teeth. Without treatment, this could increase the risk of everything from cavities to gum disease. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about how we protect smiles with a dental cleaning.
The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque is a bacterial byproduct, one that forms as bacteria in our mouth break down food particles, particularly sugar and starch. The buildup then hardens into tartar with time. Brushing and flossing can limit the amount of buildup that occurs, but cannot remove it completely. Without removal, this buildup will weaken the outer enamel and also inflame the gum tissues, factors that last to tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. Plaque and tartar are also linked to bad breath and even teeth stains! Which is why regular six month visits to remove them are so crucial.
The Cleaning Process
When you arrive for a cleaning, we will examine your smile to look for any signs of trouble that need attention, such as a cavity. We then use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove all buildup from your teeth. The last step is to polish your teeth. The process only takes a few short minutes, and is crucial for maintaining good oral health. This benefits adults and even kids two and older. If you haven’t had one recently, then contact us today to schedule your first cleaning visit of 2022.
Scaling and Root Planing
What if we discover the warning signs of gingivitis or gum disease, including sore, red gums that bleed easily, or possibly gum recession or swelling? To either reverse the inflammation or begin managing the disease, we recommend a scaling and root planing. We use the same tools we mentioned above, only we also remove buildup from the surfaces of the roots too! The procedure could take a single visit, but for severe plaque layers we may need two to four visits. We offer local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable, and we polish the teeth once we complete the removal. Afterward, you may need routine cleanings every three to four months, as your smile could be especially vulnerable to gum disease. If you have any questions about how we treat poor oral health and keep your smile healthy and strong with preventive care, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Austin, MN Dentist About Preventive Visits
We want to help you avoid common problems like tooth decay and gum disease. If you would like to find out more, contact your Austin, MN, dentists, Dr. Potach and Dr. Mitchell, by calling 507-437-6312.
