When plaque buildup remains on your smile, this could leave you and your family members vulnerable to issues like tooth decay and even gum disease, not to mention bad breath and teeth stains. To remove buildup and safeguard your smile, our team could conduct a dental cleaning. Our Oklahoma City, OK, dental practice can use a simple cleaning every few months to protect and preserve your smile!
The Risks of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Over time, oral bacteria will consume the particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks we consume, breaking them down in the process and coating the teeth in plaque. The buildup will harden with time into tartar, and cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. The buildup is linked to halitosis and teeth stains, and can irritate and inflame the gum tissues to cause gingivitis and gum disease. You could also be more susceptible to tooth decay and infection too, as the plaque and tartar can weaken and erode the outer enamel. Simply put, each member of your family will benefit from a cleaning every few months!
The Dental Cleaning Process
We typically recommend six-month cleanings for everyone ages two and older. The process involves our team taking an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, using it to remove the layers from your teeth. We then polish the teeth, which not only brightens them, but makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to attach to the surfaces in between your visits. If you have warning signs of inflammation and disease, we can discuss a more involved deep cleaning to remove buildup from the teeth and roots alike. This could take one to four visits, and we will numb your smile to keep you comfortable!
Better Oral Hygiene Habits
You can help limit plaque and tartar in between your six-month cleanings. First, try to cut back on sugar and starch in your diet so you avoid feeding harmful oral bacteria. Be sure you brush your teeth and floss daily to remove stray food and drink particles before they can be consumed to create plaque and tartar. This limits how much can accumulate until we can remove it again with an ultrasonic device and a manual tool. Try to avoid tobacco products too, and be sure you attend these visits every few months!
If you have any questions about how our team will clean your smile and protect your oral health, then contact our team today.
Talk To Your Oklahoma City, OK Dentist About General Dentistry
We want to help you and your loved ones enjoy optimal oral health with general dentistry. If you would like to find out more about protecting your oral health, then call our Oklahoma City, OK dental practice at (405) 752-0111.
