A regular Dental Checkup and Teeth Cleaning is the bedrock foundation to maintaining excellent oral health, and is the key to preventing tooth decay. Cumming’s Family Dentist is committed to keeping the teeth of every family member healthy. We treat adults and are also known as a kid-friendly dentist.
A teeth cleaning is often scheduled at the same time as a checkup. A regularly scheduled teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar that naturally build up on the teeth over time. By removing the plaque and tartar, cavities can be prevented and gums remain healthy.
Periodic X-rays are also an important component of dental checkups. An X-ray can alert us of any hidden issues or decay. Preventative Dentistry promotes oral health, and is much more desirable than reacting to pain, noticeable decay, or bad breath.
We recommend a teeth cleaning and exam every six months. Patients who stay on this schedule are unlikely to develop decay, and maintain the highest level of oral health. We invite you to become part of our dental care family.
We have patients that travel from all of the surrounding communities to have their dental work done at Cumming’s Family Dentist. It is worth the drive to our office located in Cumming, GA. Put you and your family in the most caring and capable hands. We are the perfect choice for all dental procedures both big and small.
Learn Terminology of Teeth Cleaning
What is Oral Prophylaxis?
When you receive a teeth cleaning at the dentist, they use a combination of hand instruments like a scaler and a pick. These tools are used to physically scrape tartar buildup from your teeth.
An ultrasonic scaler is a dental tool that generates a small stream of water which is charged with mechanical vibration that effectively lifts tartar deposits and bacteria from the tooth surface and from around and even below the gum line.
What is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?
Plaque is a soft sticky film that forms on your teeth and it feels fuzzy. Saliva, food, and drinks combine in your mouth and causes bacteria to grow especially where your teeth meet the gums. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will minimize the growth of plaque.
If plaque is not removed daily, the bacteria and debris will harden and form tartar. Unlike plaque, it is not soft, and cannot be removed by brushing. In order to remove plaque, you must visit the dentist to get the hardened deposits removed.
What Happens if You Don’t Remove Tartar From Your Teeth
Since Tartar is a hardened by-product of plaque, which is caused by bacteria growth, we can inherently infer that tartar left to build up is not beneficial for your oral health.
As the tartar deposits become more advanced, they may grow below the gum line, or force the gums to recede exposing more of the tooth than is healthy. Painful or bleeding gums are a sign that you should get to the dentist sooner rather than later.
Furthermore, when buildup of tartar is left untreated, it can eat through your teeth’s enamel, and cause cavities and tooth decay. The simple remedy is to visit the dentist every six months so any tartar that forms can be removed early.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. Signs are swollen gums and gums that bleed easily.
Left unattended, gum irritation can degrade to periodontitis, a deeper infection as the plaque buildup affects the tissue and bone that support the teeth.
What is Scaling Root Planing?
Root Planing is the smoothing out of your teeth roots to remove compromised tissue, make a clean start, and set the stage for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
The dentist generally uses a local anesthetic for this procedure, which minimizes discomfort.
How Do I Avoid Problems With My Teeth?
Floss at least once daily to remove food and plaque from between your teeth. Flossing is as important as brushing. Discover plastic flossers to make flossing easy.
Visit the dentist for a teeth cleaning and checkup every six months.
If you keep up on your daily oral hygiene routine, and get regular dental checkups, it greatly increases your chance to have an easy trip to the dentist.