Teeth Cleaning

Teeth Cleaning In Spring Hill, Florida

All people have plaque on their teeth. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that builds up deep beneath the gum line. When we eat and drink, particles of food get left behind on the teeth. If those particles don’t get removed with regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria in our mouth will break them down into corrosive acids. Those acids are what eats away at our tooth’s enamel and contributes to tooth decay.

Therefore, plaque not only is a culprit for cavities, it also contributes to periodontal disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Why Is Teeth Cleaning So Important?

Most patients to our Spring Hill dentist office, think teeth cleaning is simply a higher level of polishing the tooth. However, a cleaning also involves removing plaque hidden below the gum line. If this plaque is not removed, it can eat away at the tooth and bone supporting your tooth, eventually causing the tooth to fall out. When that happens, procedures involving dental implants and dental surgery may be required.

The industry standard time frame for getting your teeth professionally cleaned is every six months. However, the exact frequency varies for every patient and is determined by our dentist’s diagnosis.

What Does Teeth Cleaning Include?

Standard Teeth Cleaning

Patients with healthy teeth who just need to have their teeth polished of stains and plaque removed on the surface receive what is called a prophylaxis teeth cleaning. This type of service is what most dental insurance carriers will cover. This is a standard level service and does not address any kind of gum disease.

Gingivitis Treatment

Some patients have been diagnosed with a mild form of gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis is completely reversible with regular treatment. The causes of gingivitis varies from patient to patient. Patients may need additional cleaning to remove plaque hidden just below the gums.

Scaling and Planing

Some patients with more advanced periodontal gum disease will require treatments to treat infections on the surface of the tooth and below the gum line. These patients will need to get a treatment called scaling and root planing, which cleans out bacteria and smooths out the surface of the tooth where the root is exposed. While scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic following the procedure.

Periodontal Gum Disease Treatments

Once diagnosed, periodontal disease is a condition that requires ongoing and close monitoring. If you have periodontal disease, we may prescribe a regular treatment program that involves deep teeth cleaning on the teeth surface and below the gum line to help make sure the disease doesn’t get worse and cause additional decay.

Regular Dental Exams and Teeth Cleaning Are The Key To A Confident and Healthy Smile

Regular teeth cleaning, dental exams and routine checkups along with good oral hygiene habits can prevent tooth decay, bad breath and expensive dental bills. According to the American Heart Association, good oral hygiene can help prevent other health conditions including heart disease. If it is time for your teeth to be cleaned, please call The Dental and Denture Care Center at (352) 848-1050 or contact us through our website here to schedule your appointment today. Our team of dental experts are here to give you the best smile of your life.