Over time, our teeth become coated in plaque and tartar. Without treatment to remove these layers, the risk of cavities and gum disease will increase. Which is why we suggest a visit every six months for a cleaning! In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about protecting smiles with a dental cleaning.
The Causes (and Dangers) of Plaque and Tartar
Over time, the particles of sugar and starch in our foods and drinks will be caught between our teeth. As bacteria breaks down these particles, this causes a rise in oral acidity and coats the teeth in layers of plaque and tartar. This buildup can weaken enamel to cause cavities, and could inflame the gums to cause gingivitis and gum disease. The same buildup is also linked to bad breath and teeth stains. While brushing and flossing can limit the severity of buildup, only a professional visit can remove these layers completely and safeguard the smile.
Dental Cleanings
We want to see you every six months for a checkup visit, so we can take time to clean your teeth thoroughly. Using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, we will gently and thoroughly break up and remove all layers of plaque and tartar from the teeth. The process only takes a few minutes, and we then complete it by polishing your teeth. The polishing process not only brightens teeth, but can make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate before your next six-month preventive visit!
Deep Cleanings
What if you have severe buildup and the symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease, such as sore, red, and bleeding gums? In this situation, you may need a scaling and root planing. With this option, we use the same tools mentioned above, but we remove buildup from the roots as well. The procedure will be more involved, so we may numb the area. This could also take more than one visit in some cases. We again complete the process by polishing your teeth. Afterward, we may suggest a traditional cleaning every three to four months to control buildup and keep your smile strong!
If you have any questions about how we protect smiles with a dental cleaning procedure, or if you would like to schedule a visit today, then contact our team to learn more. We want to help your smile truly shine!
Talk to Your Lake Orion, MI Dentist’s Office About Family Dentistry
We want to help you avoid poor oral health by controlling harmful buildup on your teeth with a routine visit every few months. To schedule an appointment to safeguard your smile from cavities and periodontal issues, then call Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248)693-6213!
