Your smile needs a cleaning, as this helps protect the teeth and gums alike from serious oral health complications, including periodontal disease! But how do you keep your teeth clean? In today’s blog, your Omaha, NE, dentist talks about fighting plaque buildup and proper care both at home and in our office. When should you schedule your next visit for a cleaning?
The Professional Dental Cleaning
A routine dental cleaning should happen at least once every six months. Over time, bacteria will break down and consume stray food particles trapped in between and on our teeth. As they do, this creates a sticky layer coating the teeth known as plaque. This layer could eventually harden into tartar. Unless removed, plaque and tartar could weaken and erode tooth enamel, while also irritating and inflaming gum tissue. Soon, they could increase the risk of both cavities and gum disease. The procedure removes this buildup completely from your smile. The procedure only takes a few minutes to complete, and also helps improve your breath and the brightness of your teeth.
Scaling and Root Planing
If you already have warning signs of gingivitis and gum disease, such as sore, red, and bleeding gums, then you may need more than a simple cleaning. A scaling and root planing is used to remove plaque and tartar from both the surfaces of the teeth and the roots as well. The procedure is more involved and could take between one and four visits to complete, depending on the extent of your buildup. Afterward, routine cleanings every three to four months will be prescribed to help manage gum disease and prevent the onset of more advanced stages, the kind linked to adult tooth loss.
Brushing and Flossing
Taking care of your smile at home helps by reducing the severity of buildup in between your six-month visits. So, to help control buildup we suggest brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each session, once when you wake up and again before bed. Be sure you use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste with fluoride. Before bed, you also need to floss, which remove what a toothbrush cannot reach. If you have any questions about homecare or about our routine office visits, then please contact our team today. Let’s work together to help you enjoy optimal oral health!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
Our team can help combat plaque buildup and protect your smile from serious oral health troubles. To learn more about our general and preventive treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402) 330-2243. We also serve the residents of Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Millard, and all surrounding communities.
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