When you see us every six months, we offer more than just a dental checkup. To help protect the health and beauty of your smile, your Astoria, NY, dentist could provide a thorough dental cleaning, which helps you avoid major oral health issues! In today’s blog, we’re looking at how we remove harmful buildup from your smile.
The Factors Behind Plaque and Tartar
Plaque buildup is a bacterial byproduct that occurs when harmful oral bacteria break down the food particles left behind on and between our teeth by the foods and drinks we consume. The bacteria especially enjoy breaking down particles from sugary foods and drinks! Over time, plaque hardens into tartar. Brushing and flossing alone cannot remove the buildup, and if the plaque remains in place this could weaken tooth enamel and inflame gum tissues, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Bad breath and teeth stains are also a common complication too!
The Dental Cleaning Process
A dental cleaning allows our team to remove all harmful plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your smile. To do so, we employ an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. We then gently remove all the plaque from the teeth, and we polish the smile as well to offer a smoother finish and brighter appearance. People of all ages need their teeth cleaned every six months, or every three to four months if there is a high risk for developing gum disease. To help control built in between visits, make sure you brush with a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and again at night every day. Each session should take two minutes at a minimum. You also need to floss every evening too!
What About Scaling and Root Planing?
If you have sore gums that appear redder than usual, or if you notice your gums bleed easily, then this could mean you have gingivitis or possibly the early stages of periodontal disease. To restore your oral health and reverse gingivitis, or begin managing periodontal disease to prevent tooth loss, you need a deep cleaning. Known as a scaling and root planing, this process involves gently removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth with and the roots with the ultrasonic scaling device we mentioned above. This could take one visit, or up to four, depending on how severe the buildup actually is. If you have any questions, give us a call today!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry could help your smile stay bright and free of issues like tooth decay and gum disease. To learn more about how we remove harmful buildup from the teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
