Dental Cleanings: More Helpful Than You Think

toothcleanHow much do you know about why we recommend that you schedule your dental cleaning once every six months? Do you know that you leave our practice with a much cleaner, fresher smile but you’re not quite sure what it is we’re doing during your cleaning? You may know that there are many benefits to consistent preventive dental care but we prefer you to have a solid understand of why cleanings are so extremely helpful. Become a bit more familiar with why plaque removal is so essential, so you continue to feel that urgency to schedule your follow-up visit on the way out.

Why We’re Cleaning Your Smile

Even if you eat all the healthiest foods and take wonderful care of yourself, plaque will still adhere to your teeth every single day. Plaque is full of bacteria that, when they feed on carbohydrates in your mouth, release acids. These acids are irritating to your gum tissue and destructive to your tooth tissue. Unfortunately, you cannot remove all of the plaque from your smile with brushing and flossing alone. The good news? We can clean away what you cannot during your dental cleaning.

What Happens If You Skip Cleanings

If you don’t visit us for a professional dental cleaning you may face a variety of consequences that will then require restorative care. You see, as plaque sits on your teeth it hardens into a substance called tartar. Cement-like in nature, you cannot remove it on your own. Plaque and tartar will lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time. Both are progressive problems that will require treatment to stop them and restore your oral health. Prevention is always more convenient, cost-effective, and comfortable.