Sep
Dental cleanings are essential for good tooth and gum health, as they remove harmful plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay and dental disease. Yet, many people forgo teeth cleaning services due to their busy schedules. At the office of D. Bartholomew G. Kreiner DDS, we consider routine exams and cleanings a priority, as they’re one of the best ways to keep teeth healthy. In this post, your Bel Air dentist explains why you shouldn’t go without professional teeth cleaning.
Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth are a leading cause of decay and gum disease. Through diligent brushing and flossing, you can minimize plaque-causing bacteria from gathering on your teeth. Brushing alone, however, won’t keep your teeth plaque-free, as there are areas in your mouth where your toothbrush can’t reach. That’s where professional teeth cleaning comes in. Dentists use special tools to rid your mouth of all plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) buildup, leaving your teeth and gums spotlessly clean. A fresh, clean mouth is key to strong, healthy teeth.
Dr. Kreiner recommends biannual exams and cleanings to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best. If you’re prone to decay or show signs of dental disease, we may advise you to come in more frequently. Gum disease is a subtle infection that starts small and spreads quickly. Through routine checkups, Dr. Kreiner can spot this problem early and nip it in the bud before it causes irreparable damage to your gums or teeth.
A routine cleaning may take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar on your teeth. At least once annually, we’ll take x-rays to check for “hidden” dental issues. If you have plaque buildup under your gum line due to infrequent dental visits, you may need more extensive cleaning in the form of scaling and root planing.
Forgoing dental cleanings puts you at greater risk of decay and gum disease, as plaque-causing bacteria will continue to breed above and below the gum line of your teeth. Over time, plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist. The longer plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the more damage they can cause, weakening your teeth to the point where they become loose and fall out. Professional dental cleaning offers a means of keeping your teeth strong and healthy to preserve your smile.
If you live in or near Bel Air, MD, Dr. Kreiner is your go-to dentist for quality dental care. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (410) 983-6775.