As part of your checkup visit every six months, our team will conduct a cleaning to remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup. These are beneficial for all ages, and could be key to fighting issues like tooth decay and even gum disease. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist discusses the importance of a dental cleaning.

The Onset of Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Over time, harmful oral bacteria will consume the particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. As they break down these particles, this elevates oral acidity and then coats the teeth in plaque buildup. These factors can weaken enamel to cause cavities, and could inflame gum tissues to cause gingivitis or even periodontal disease. There is also a higher risk of teeth stains and bad breath. To protect smiles of all ages from these complications, our team will conduct a dental cleaning. We recommend one every six months for patients ages two and older.

Dental Cleanings

What happens during your dental cleaning? Our team will use an ultrasonic scaling device, which emits gentle vibrations, to remove the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque). We also use a manual pick to remove stubborn bits. We then polish the teeth, which brightens them and also makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to form on the surfaces of your teeth in between your visits. The process only takes a few minutes, and is essential for safeguarding your smile. To help control buildup, be sure you brush for two minutes when you wake and then do so again before going to bed. We recommend a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should also floss before bed to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot.

Scaling and Root Planing

What if you have severe buildup and the warning signs of gum disease, such as sore, red, and bleeding gums? In this situation, we may recommend a scaling and root planing. This involves the same tools but we remove buildup from the teeth and the exposed roots, and destroy pockets of bacteria from beneath the gums. This is more involved and could take one visit or as many as four, depending on the extent of your buildup. We will numb your smile since this is more involved, and recommend routine cleanings every three to four months afterward.

If you have any questions, or want to make an appointment, then contact our team today.

Learn More About Boosting Your Oral Health

We want to help you smile with confidence and enjoy good oral health, and we can make this possible with preventive dentistry. Schedule your appointment with Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669.