Over time, plaque and tartar buildup could mean serious trouble for your smile, and may even increase the risk of periodontal disease. To help remove these layers and safeguard your smile, you need to have a cleaning. In today’s blog, your Virginia Beach, VA, dentist talks about what kind of dental cleaning your smile may need.
The Possible Consequences of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
How do we develop plaque and tartar buildup? This bacterial byproduct coats the teeth after harmful oral bacteria consume the particles of sugar and starch left behind by our foods and drinks. In the process of breaking down these particles, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in a sticky layer, which will harden into tartar with time. While brushing and flossing can limit the severity of the buildup only a professional cleaning can actually remove the plaque and tartar completely from the smile.
Traditional Dental Cleanings
You should have one every six months, and this goes for kids two and older, teens, and adults alike. The procedure only takes a few minutes. Our dental hygienist will employ an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. We then polish the smile for a brighter appearance and a smoother tooth surface. The procedure helps reduce the risk of cavities, as the buildup weakens and erodes outer enamel to expose the sensitive inner layers of dentin. The procedure also fights gingivitis and gum disease, as plaque and tartar are linked to irritated and inflamed gum tissues. You also have a lower risk of stained teeth and bad breath too.
Perio Cleaning
What if your buildup is severe, and is also present on your roots? This could mean you’ve developed the early stages of gum disease, or a severe case of gingivitis, with sore, red, and bleeding gums. You may need a more involved procedure, such as a deep cleaning. The perio cleaning involves removing all plaque and tartar from both the teeth and the roots, and depending on the severity of your layers, could take one to four visits. We numb the smile to keep you comfortable and again we will polish the teeth afterward. Regular dental cleanings every three to four months afterwards could help manage the disease and keep your smile healthy and strong.
If you have any questions about removing harmful buildup from your smile, then contact our team today to schedule your next visit.
We can Safeguard Smiles In Virginia Beach, VA
We want to help you and your family maintain optimal oral health with preventive treatments. Call Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at 757-428-7440 to schedule an appointment for your family soon!
