Keeping your teeth clean is a great way to control harmful bacterial buildup and prevent issues that range from decay and disease to stains and halitosis. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist will take a look at two different options to clean your teeth, and explain how one could be the solution you need for cases of gingivitis or gum disease.
The Potential Dangers of Your Plaque Buildup
What is plaque exactly? Basically, this is a bacterial byproduct, one that creates a sticky layer on the surfaces of your teeth. Over time, it hardens into tartar and could be impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone. The buildup typically occurs when oral bacteria break down bits of sugar and starch left on or between the teeth by the foods and drinks we consume. Improper or infrequent brushing and flossing could mean the buildup worsens with time, eventually weakening enamel and inflaming the gums, leading to issues like tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and even periodontal disease. The buildup could also be linked to bad breath and stained teeth too!
The Routine Six-Month Cleaning
The only way to completely remove the buildup is with a cleaning every six months. We will use an ultrasonic scaling device to begin breaking up the buildup with gentle vibrations, and a manual tool to remove any stray bits left on your smile. We then polish your teeth thoroughly. You leave with a brighter smile, and also a reduce risk of serious oral health complications. We suggest this procedure for kids starting at age two, and for teens, adults, and seniors too. During the same visit, we also examine your smile to diagnose any possible problems in the earliest stages, often before you experience symptoms!
Scaling and Root Planing
What if the buildup has grown so severe, you experience warning signs of gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease, such as sore, red gums that bleed easily? Then you may need a deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing. In addition to removing buildup from the teeth, we also do so for the roots too. The procedure could take one visit, or up to four, depending on the extent of your buildup. The procedure then reverses gingivitis, or enables us to begin managing your gum disease. Afterward, you will need routine cleaning visits every three to four months to protect your periodontal health.
Ready to Schedule a General Visit?
Routine care could keep your smile bright and free of decay or disease. To learn more about how we remove plaque and tartar, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
