What’s the Danger of Plaque Buildup on Your Teeth?

A dental exam is a thorough inspection of your teeth to detect early warning signs of dental issues or prospective problems in the making. This gives us a chance to nip them in the bud quickly. A dental cleaning entails ridding your mouth of plaque and tartar buildup at and above the gumline of your teeth, along with surface stains that give your smile a dull, dingy appearance. Our hygienist uses special tools to clean your teeth, focusing on those areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Afterward, we’ll polish your teeth to restore their gleam. 

Plaque is a whitish film that develops on your teeth after eating. When not removed, it hardens into tartar and starts to eat away at your tooth enamel, causing small holes called cavities. When plaque gathers under the gum line of your teeth, it can lead to a bacterial gum infection called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss. Through regular dental cleanings, Dr. Andrew Perkins and Dr. Adam Tow can safeguard your smile from the dangers of decay and gum disease.  

Routine dental cleanings shouldn’t cause pain. If you do feel pain or sensitivity, however, please let our hygienist know. We’ll take measures to make you more comfortable during this treatment, such as modifying our cleaning techniques, taking frequent breaks, or applying a numbing gel to your teeth.   

Absolutely! Good oral health can benefit your whole body! Oral problems have been linked to systemic health issues like heart problems, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, and other diseases. By eliminating plaque buildup on your teeth, dental cleanings minimize the risk of oral infections spreading to other parts of your body through your bloodstream, impairing your general health. In this way, dental cleanings contribute to better overall health and well-being.