Over time, various factors could allow plaque and tartar to accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth. Without treatment to remove these layers, this could increase the risk of complications like bad breath, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. At our Greensboro, NC, dentist’s office, we can help safeguard your smile with a dental cleaning!
The Causes and Dangers of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque is a sticky material that can coat the teeth. This often occurs when there are particles of sugar and starch for bacteria to consume. As this happens, plaque is created, coating the teeth and over time, weakening the enamel and inflaming the gums to cause cavities, infections, gingivitis, and even gum disease. A lack of proper brushing and flossing to remove stray particles and infrequent professional cleanings can also be a factor in plaque buildup. Over time, the layers will harden into tartar. To protect your smile from bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and even periodontal disease, you need to have the buildup removed with a professional cleaning.
The Dental Cleaning Process
We offer these as part of your routine six-month dental visit. Using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, our team will gently remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and to help prevent plaque and tartar from adhering to the teeth in between your six-month visits. If you have warning signs of gingivitis or gum disease, such as sore, red gums that bleed, then we could potentially offer a deep cleaning, in which we use the same tools to remove buildup from the teeth and from the roots as well.
Controlling Buildup from Home
While brushing and flossing can’t remove all buildup, you can help reduce the severity of buildup until we can see you for a dental cleaning. You should brush your teeth in the morning and then again at night for two minutes each time, and be sure you use a fluoride toothpaste, which helps protect enamel. In the evening before you brush the second time, be sure you floss, which removes what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. You can also protect your smile by cutting back on the sugar and starch in your diet. If you have any questions about how we safeguard smiles with a dental cleaning, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy a healthy and attractive smile!
Talk To Your Greensboro, NC Dentist About Safeguarding Your Smile
We would like to help you enjoy good oral health with a preventive approach to dentistry. To learn more about preventive dental care, then call our Greensboro, NC dental office at (336) 854-9270.