You may already know that the America Dental Association recommends patients completely twice-yearly professional cleanings, but do you know why? Today our Santa Monica dentists are giving you some more information on the importance of professional cleanings and assessments. Keep reading to learn more…
Eliminating Tartar
Plaque that is able to sit on your teeth for more than a day or two turns from a sticky, malleable substance to something called tartar. Tartar is very hard, and it is calcified to the dental surface. Once plaque turns into tartar you can’t really remove it at home—that’s why our team is here to help you get rid of lingering tartar.
Refreshing Your Oral Health
No matter how carefully and thoroughly you clean your mouth, there will be inevitably be dental debris and plaque that you miss. Unfortunately, these threats-to-oral-health tend to compound over time, which means that your smile collects more and more harmful bacteria. At your appointment, our dentist is able to clear away this accumulated bacteria, and give your smile a fresh and clean slate. It is important to do this regularly, so that oral bacteria don’t have the time to do too much damage to your teeth and gums.
Checking for Cancerous Tissues
As you would imagine, oral cancers can be absolutely devastating, and this is especially true when they aren’t identified and treated early. That is why our dental team always checks our patients for cancerous and pre-cancerous tissues. We will complete an oral cancer screening at every semi-annual appointment. We’re looking for changes in the texture, color, or health of specific oral tissues.
Keep Track Of Goals
Ideally, you will be able to build a relationship with your dental team over time. As we get to know you and your smile better, we are able to help you make better dental decisions, and we can point you toward treatment options that fit your needs and goals. Six-month-appointments act as built-in checkpoints, during which we can gauge the success of treatment so far.
Even if it has been years since you have undergone a dental cleaning, our Santa Monica dentists can help you get your smile back on track. Please don’t wait to get the preventive care that can keep you smiling for years to come. Give us a call to get started!