Why Your Teeth Need Cleaning

austin dental cleaning

Even if you brush and floss daily, buildup could slowly accumulate on your teeth. Plaque then increases the risk of tooth decay and even gum disease unless addressed. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about how we protect smiles with a professional cleaning every six months, and why you need to attend these appointments!

The Dangers of Plaque Buildup

Over time, the particles of sugar and starch from the foods and drinks we consume will coat the teeth and be broken down by harmful oral bacteria. This process elevates oral acidity levels, and then coats the teeth in plaque. This sticky layer is difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone, and hardens with time into tartar. Without removal, the layers will erode enamel and inflames gum tissues, increasing the risk of cavities, infections, gingivitis, and gum disease, as well as bad breath and teeth stains. However, a visit to remove the layers can be very helpful for your smile!

The Professional Cleaning

We want to see kids and adults alike every six months for a professional cleaning. After we examine the smile and make adjustments, we will begin the cleaning portion. Using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, our team will break up and remove all plaque and tartar buildup. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and a smoother tooth surface. This helps lower the risk of serious oral health issues, and you can in turn limit the severity of plaque in between these visits by brushing and flossing daily from home.

Scaling and Root Planing

What if you have warning signs of periodontal troubles, such as red, red gums that bleed easily? Then you may need a deep cleaning. Known as a scaling and root planing, this uses the same tools and technology to remove the buildup from the teeth and roots alike. The process could take one visit, or up to four, depending on how severe your buildup actually is. After the buildup is removed, the teeth will be polished. Since this is more involved, we can offer local anesthesia and sedation to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process. Afterward, regular dental cleanings every three to four months can help manage gum disease to avoid the later stages linked to adult tooth loss and uncomfortable symptoms.

If you have any questions about how we clean and protect smiles of all ages, or if you would like to schedule a preventive visit, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About General Dentistry?

Our team wants to help you enjoy a brighter and healthy smile with regular visits. To make an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312.