We’ve talked about the value of an exam, and why you need us to take a close look at your smile every six months, but what about the cleaning? During these same visits, we will use advanced technology to thoroughly clean your teeth, a process that helps improve overall oral health. In today’s blog, your Baxter, MN, dentist will look at the process of removing plaque from your teeth.
The Dangers of Plaque Buildup
What is plaque? Well, this is a bacterial byproduct that forms when harmful oral bacteria consume the particles left behind by our foods and drinks. Plaque then coats the teeth, and over time, hardens into tartar. Unless removed, plaque and tartar can weaken and erode outer enamel, exposing the inner dentin and leading to cavities. In addition, the buildup could irritate and inflame gum tissue, leading to a greater risk of gingivitis and gum disease. Buildup is also a major factor in the onset of bad breath and teeth stains!
The Cleaning Process
To remove the plaque and tartar, our team will use an ultrasonic scaler and a manual tool to break up and remove buildup from the surfaces of the teeth. We then polish the teeth, leaving behind a smoother surface, as well as brighter teeth and better breath. The process takes a few minutes, and is helpful for people of all ages, including kids two and older and adults. If you have warning signs of gingivitis and gum disease, including sore, red gums that bleed easily, we may suggest a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, to remove more severe buildup from the teeth and roots, usually in one to four visits.
Keep Up Your Care at Home
In between your six-month visits, you should take steps to protect your oral health and reduce the severity of buildup. Kids and adults need to start their day by brushing their teeth for two minutes using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Before bed, they should brush again and also floss in between the teeth to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. These actions extract trapped food particles before they become meals and fuel for harmful bacteria. If you have any questions about the dental cleaning process, or if you would like to schedule a visit for you or a member of your family, then contact our team today. Let’s clean your family’s smiles before the new school year begins!
Greenhaven Family Dental Helps Remove Buildup From Your Smile
Greenhaven Family Dental understands how to use preventive dentistry to keep smiles of all ages healthy and strong. To learn more about our thorough dental cleanings, then you can contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN at 218-454-0523.