Keeping our teeth clean is crucial for avoiding the onset of complications like tooth decay and even periodontal disease. However, there are two different kinds of cleanings, a regular one and one known as a deep cleaning. Which one do you need, and how often should you see your Allen, TX, dentist to have plaque and tartar removed from your smile?
The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar
Over time, bacteria in our mouth will break down food particles caught on or between the teeth. In the process, they elevate oral acidity and then coat the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque. The plaque will increase with time and could eventually harden into tartar. Brushing and flossing alone cannot remove plaque and tartar, and the buildup could begin to weaken and erode the outer enamel, and also irritate and inflame the gum tissues. As a result, the risk of tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease increases significantly, as does the risk of teeth stains and bad breath too!
Dental Cleanings
A regular dental cleaning is offered every six months as part of your checkup visit. A member of our team will use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove all buildup from the smile. Next, we polish the teeth thoroughly. You leave with brighter teeth, fresher breath, and a healthier smile. These visits are recommended for people ages three and up, every six months.
Scaling and Root Planings
What if you begin to experience the warning signs of gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease, such as sore, red gums that bleed easily? Then to help reverse the issue or manage it, you need more than a regular plaque removal. A scaling and root planing involves again using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, only this time breaking up the buildup on both the teeth and the roots. The procedure could take between one and four visits, depending on the extent of the buildup. We again polish the teeth afterward. Regular cleanings will then be prescribed every three to four months to keep the smile healthy and manage periodontal issues.
Brushing and Flossing
To reduce the severity of buildup in between six-month visits, we suggest brushing when you wake up and again before bed for at least two minutes, using a fluoride toothpaste. You also need to floss every evening too. If you have any questions about keeping smiles healthy, then contact our team today.
Ready for a Dental Cleaning?
We want to help protect your smile from the dangers of serious buildup. To learn more about our approach to preventive dental care, then contact Allen Family Dental in Allen, TX today by calling 469-342-6644.
