A dental cleaning can help patients of all ages maintain good oral health and stay free of everything from cavities and gum disease, to bad breath and major discoloration. We offer traditional dental cleanings or perio cleanings, but which one will you need? Your Virginia Beach, VA, dentist looks at the differences between these dental cleanings.
The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
When we eat sugary and starchy foods, or drink items high in sugar, this leaves behind particles for harmful oral bacteria to break down and eat. As they consume these particles, this leaves behind plaque buildup, a sticky layer that coats the teeth and will harden into tartar. Without removal, these layers will weaken enamel to cause cavities and infections, and can irritate and inflame the gums to create gingivitis and gum disease. This is also linked to bad breath and teeth stains too. Which is why you and your family need routine cleanings to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth.
Traditional Options
A traditional dental cleaning is helpful for people of all ages, even kids as young as age two. The procedure involves our team employing an ultrasonic scaling device to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. We then polish the teeth to make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the surfaces of the teeth before your next visit. In between these visits, be sure you and your family are brushing twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing every evening before brushing the second time. These actions help limit buildup until your next appointment.
The Perio Option
If you have warning signs of gum disease, such as sore, red, and bleeding gums, then our team could recommend a deep cleaning to prevent the later stages of gum disease, which could cause tooth loss. With a deep cleaning, we again use an ultrasonic scaling device to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. We then smooth the root structure beneath the gum line to remove the layers and bacteria deposits that have formed there. The process could take one visit or up to four, and we will administer a numbing agent to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
If you have any questions about how our team will safeguard your smile with a dental cleaning, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you and your family maintain good oral health.
Schedule A Visit for Preventive Dental Care
Our team wants to help you and your family enjoy optimal oral health. Call Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at (757) 428-7440 to schedule an appointment soon!
