Studies show that many people don’t get the preventative dental care they need. In fact, 23-43% of Americans don’t even visit a dentist once a year, which can lead to unnecessary tooth decay, discomfort, and possible tooth loss.
Many people are scared to go to the dentist, because they worry about possibly needing to get fillings, crowns, or other dental work. The good news is that with regular care of your teeth, you shouldn’t need as many complicated procedures. Brushing, flossing, and getting regular professional cleanings can reduce the amount of time you have to spend in the dentist’s chair
At Skyview Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we provide excellent dental care for all our patients. Our experienced and compassionate dentists provide top-notch care in a supportive, comfortable environment. We make routine dental care as easy as possible to keep our patients’ teeth in great shape.
Why does tooth decay occur?
The outer layer of your teeth is made of enamel, which is the hardest material in your body. However, your teeth can still develop holes, or cavities, as a result of tooth decay. Cavities start out small and gradually get larger as the decay worsens, so it’s important to catch them as early as possible.
As you eat, plaque can form on your teeth over time. Plaque is a sticky substance that is made of a mixture of saliva, bacteria, and food particles. Plaque, if not removed often, changes the starches you eat into acid, which can erode the enamel of your teeth and cause pitting and lead to cavities.
Plaque can easily be removed by brushing when it’s soft, but, over time, it can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Tartar usually needs to be removed by a dental professional.
What’s involved in a cleaning?
To clean your teeth, your dental hygienist will use a number of special instruments to remove deposits of plaque and tartar that have formed on your teeth. If you brush and floss regularly and have regular cleanings, this process shouldn’t take very long. Once your teeth are clean, your provider will be polish and floss your teeth and then treat them with a fluoride solution to help protect them from decay until your next appointment.
In addition to removing any plaque and tartar from your teeth, a cleaning will allow your dentist to examine your teeth for any problems. Your dentist will also likely recommend X-rays to screen for any hidden cavities or other issues.
How often do I need my teeth cleaned?
It’s typically recommended that you have a teeth cleaning twice a year, or once every six months. This will provide you with solid protection against tooth decay and help you catch dental issues before they develop into serious problems. If you have a history of more serious dental issues or conditions, such as gum disease, you may want to increase the frequency of your cleaning appointments.
Regular teeth cleanings are your first line of defense against tooth decay. Taking good care of your teeth means that you’ll spend less time in the dentist’s chair getting more serious dental work done.
To learn more about dental care or to get your teeth cleaned, book an appointment online or over the phone with Skyview Dentistry today.