Teeth cleanings are an integral part of general dentistry and are encouraged several times a year. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of keeping regular cleaning appointments. A common misconception is that visiting the dentist is only necessary when there is a noticeable concern with oral health. However, the best way to deal with oral health concerns is by preventing them in the first place.
General dentists focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of oral health concerns. One way they help with prevention is through regular teeth cleanings, which remove plaque and tartar build-up on teeth and along the gum line. This review discusses the role regular teeth cleanings play in general dentistry.
General dentists recommend regular teeth cleanings to prevent oral health concerns such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath (halitosis). Regular dental cleanings are not used to treat oral health concerns after they develop.
Teeth cleanings are designed to remove plaque and tartar build-up on teeth. This reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other common oral health concerns. Regular cleanings with a general dentist can also improve the appearance of the smile as well and possibly brighten the teeth.
Life can be hectic, and skipping a teeth-cleaning appointment if you have good oral health can be tempting. However, about six months after a cleaning, plaque develops into tartar and starts to wear down teeth and along the gum line. This can cause enamel to weaken and eventually erode, along with increasing the risk of periodontal disease. In the short term, bad breath can result from the odor that the plaque and tartar release, and the shade of teeth may begin to turn an undesirable yellow shade.
Regular teeth cleanings are recommended every four to six months in most cases. As mentioned, this is before the time that it takes for plaque to harm teeth, assuming the patient cares for their teeth between visits. Regular teeth cleanings are simple, short procedures that do not typically cause any discomfort. In most cases, they are also covered by dental insurance.
The best way to protect your teeth and gums between visits is by brushing and flossing consistently each day. Dietary choices can also impact oral health as well, and limiting the consumption of carbohydrates such as sugar and starch can reduce the risk of damage to the enamel or the gums.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Salt Lake City, UT
If it has been more than six months since your last teeth cleaning visit, then call our general dentistry practice today to schedule an appointment. We can conduct an oral examination, perform a dental cleaning, and discuss any additional cosmetic or restorative goals you may have.
Request an appointment or call Eric A. Larson DDS at 801-871-8983 for an appointment in our Salt Lake City office.
Wondering how a damaged tooth can be treated? Read on to learn how general dentistry addresses damaged teeth. A damaged tooth can result from a blow to the mouth, bruxism, and a range of other causes. There are several ways a general dentist can restore the health, appearance, and function of a damaged tooth. This…
One of the more common concerns treated in general dentistry is a toothache. Treating toothaches involves determining the cause(s) of the toothache and treating the underlying concern because a toothache is generally a symptom of a more serious oral health issue.There are numerous ways a dentist can treat a toothache, and the most appropriate solution…
General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Teeth cleanings are one of the staples of general dentistry, and the American Association of Dentists recommends getting them at least two times per year. The procedure protects teeth against tooth decay and gum disease.Tooth decay and gum disease are the top two reasons people…
Taking care of your family's dental health is important to help maintain your and your children's overall health and well-being. Regular visits to a family dentist can help identify and treat dental problems before they become more serious and require more intensive care. However, finding the right family dentist can be daunting, especially if you…
As your family grows, you may be considering a family dentist as a good option to take care of everyone's dental health in one place. There are a few signs you can look for that it is time to make a change and schedule appointments with a family dentist.Some dentists are limited in the patients…
