When you have a smile with major plaque and tartar buildup, you have one at risk for tooth decay and gum disease, even if you brush and floss. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist explains how we benefit from a dental cleaning every six months, and when you may need a deep cleaning!
The Causes of Your Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Over time, the harmful bacteria in your mouth will break down and consume the particles left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. They especially target the particles of sugar and starch. As these bits of food and drinks are broken down, this coats the teeth in a bacterial byproduct known as plaque, which hardens over time into tartar. Without removal, the buildup could cause bad breath and stained teeth, and also increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease as well.
Dental Cleaning
Brushing and flossing alone cannot remove the buildup, which is why you need to see us every six months for a preventive visit. Using an ultrasonic scaling device and assisting with a manual tool, our team will gently and carefully remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance. The process doesn’t take long, and could significantly improve the health and appearance of your smile. At home, when you continue to brush and floss daily this helps limit how much plaque can accumulate until you see us for the next dental visit.
What About Deep Cleanings?
A scaling and root planing, known as a deep cleaning, is prescribed for people with the warning signs of gingivitis or gum disease, such as red, sore, or bleeding gums. The procedure removes the buildup from the teeth and the roots, and could take one visit or up to four, depending on how severe your buildup actually is. This could reverse gingivitis and then help manage gum disease. Afterward, a routine cleaning like we described above every three to four months could help manage your periodontal health and keep your smile strong and whole!
If you have any questions about the procedure, then let us know today. We would love to see you soon before the hectic holiday season begins, and so you can use your remaining 2021 dental insurance benefits or health savings funds before they expire at the end of December!
Ready to Schedule a Visit?
We would love to see you soon to help you improve oral health before 2021 ends. To learn more about how our team helps prevent poor oral health and protect your smile, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320. We want to help you maintain a strong and beautiful smile!
