What do your regular dental visits really do to keep your smile safe from problems? Your Irving, TX dentist closely examines your teeth and gums to see if issues need to be addressed. By catching and treating these issues early, we can prevent complications that threaten your smile and well-being. What you should know is that regular dental cleanings also play a valuable role in protecting you from harm. During these visits, your hygienist removes tartar buildup, a substance that will remain in position despite your brushing and flossing efforts. When tartar buildup remains in place, your smile is more likely to experience problems that will lead to restorative dental work at a future appointment.
Why Tartar Buildup Should Concern You
Tartar buildup does not require restorative dental work, but these deposits can cause problems that eventually require these services. Tartar deposits contain harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay as well as gum disease. These deposits start out as plaque buildup. Unfortunately, plaque will harden if you do not remove accumulated deposits in time. When that happens, you will have tartar that you cannot remove yourself!
How Often Should I See My Dentist For Routine Care?
A trip to the dentist’s office every six months can help you avoid difficulties that eventually call for dental fillings and dental crowns. Your dentist’s regular reviews will protect you from active threats. When your hygienist cleans your teeth, they remove deposits of plaque and tartar that can cause these issues later on. In other words, both your evaluations and cleanings provide important protection!
Make Sure Your Daily Habits Effectively Fight Tartar Buildup
While you can count on regular dental visits to make problems less likely in the future, you should still do your part to care for your smile between appointments. Every time you brush and floss, you should work to thoroughly clean every part of your smile, even those parts that are difficult to reach. Remember that you should be consistent as well as thorough – by “occasionally” a brushing or flossing session, you make yourself more vulnerable to tartar buildup. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and you should floss at least once to keep bacteria from gathering between teeth.
Talk To Your Irving, TX Dentist To Schedule Your Next Dental Visit
Regular trips to Defining Smiles for preventive care will help you avoid issues with tartar buildup and more! If you are not already, be sure to start scheduling these appointments on a semiannual basis (unless your dentist recommends a different timeline). Remember that in addition to helping you manage your oral health through preventive and restorative care, we also offer a variety of cosmetic dental services! To find out more, please call our dentist’s office in Irving, TX today at 972-717-0860.
