Last week, we discussed the importance of supplementing your daily hygiene routine with regular visits to your family dentist every six months (or sooner, if recommended). You may know that brushing and flossing your teeth every day helps control the buildup of dental plaque, which is comprised almost entirely of various oral bacteria, some of which pose a clear and present danger to your oral health. If you adhere to this routine every day, at least twice a day, then you’re probably fairly confident that your smile is healthy. Unfortunately, nobody’s perfect, and even the strictest tooth brusher can miss a spot here and there. Luckily, attending your regular dental cleanings and exams can help protect your smile from such mistakes, as Austin dentist, Dr. Van Wicklen, explains.
Regular Professional Maintenance
If the smallest amount of plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth for more than 48 hours, it calcifies (hardens) into tartar. Unlike its gentler predecessor, tartar does not dissolve in water and cannot be removed with your conventional toothbrush or dental floss. At your professional dental cleaning, our talented hygienists will carefully remove residual dental plaque and tartar to prevent the damage they can cause, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Deep Periodontal Cleaning
When plaque accumulates along your gum line, the germs within it release toxins that irritate your periodontal tissue and cause it to separate from your teeth (gum recession). The separation creates small pockets between your gums and teeth where more bacteria can gather, leading to the onset of gingivitis and eventually gum disease. If your gums are at risk, or exhibit signs of gingivitis, Dr. Van Wicklen can perform a periodontal cleaning to thoroughly remove bacterial plaque and tartar from underneath your gum line, allowing the tissue to heal and promoting gum reattachment. If left untreated, however, gingivitis will become gum disease, which cannot be cured or reversed.
Keep Your Smile Healthy with Your Austin Dentist
To learn more about professionally maintaining your beautiful smile, or to attend a dental cleaning and exam, speak with your Austin family dentist as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Van Wicklen by calling 512-448-3131. Located in the 78704 area, we proudly serve the cities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and all surrounding communities.
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