Over time, plaque and tartar could coat our teeth and cause problems for the health and beauty of our smiles. To remove the buildup and prevent dental disease, your Greenville, TX, dentist will recommend professional dental cleanings, and for those with inflammation or periodontal disease, a deep cleaning with scaling and root planing procedures.
The Factors Behind Plaque and Tartar
When we eat a diet high in sugary foods and drinks, or items high in starch, this leaves behind particles that oral bacteria will consume. In the process of doing so, this elevates oral acidity and begins coating the teeth in plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar with time. The buildup could irritate and inflame the gum tissues, causing gingivitis and eventually, gum disease. Plaque and tartar are also linked to bad breath and stained teeth. While brushing and flossing can help limit the severity of buildup, only a professional cleaning can remove the layers from your smile!
Dental Cleanings
Every six months, we want to see you for an exam and cleaning. The exam lets us keep a watchful eye out for the earliest signs of trouble. But keeping your teeth clean helps prevent trouble! Using an ultrasonic scaling device, we break up and remove buildup from the surfaces of the teeth. We then thoroughly polish the teeth. You leave with fresh breath, brighter teeth, and a reduce risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These visits should start at around age two, and continue to occur every six months throughout your adult years too.
Scaling and Root Planings
But what if you already experience the warning signs of inflammation or the early stages of gum disease, such as red, sore gums that bleed easily? If so, then you may need a deep cleaning. The ultrasonic scaling and root planing process removes buildup from both the gums and roots. We administer anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable, and the process could take one visit or up to four, depending on how severe your buildup is. Afterward, we will polish the teeth and likely suggest a regular visits every three to four months. These visits manage your periodontal disease, preventing the advanced stages linked to adult tooth loss, so you smile stays whole, healthy, and comfortable.
If you have any questions about removing harmful buildup, or about avoiding dental disease, then please contact our team today. We want to help you and your family continue to maintain optimal oral health for years to come!
Your Greenville, TX Dentist Removes Harmful Plaque
At Smith Family Dentistry, our team knows how to help safeguard your smile with preventive care. To learn more about how our team keeps smiles of all ages strong and healthy, then contact your Greenville, TX, dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 903-455-5750.