The best way to protect your teeth from serious problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. One part of prevention is a good oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice daily. Another just as important part of prevention is regular visits to your dentist and regular professional cleanings. Check-ups by your dentist every six months allows for potential problems to be treated early. Most major dental treatment can be avoided with treatment when it was just a minor problem. Professional cleanings get your teeth exceptionally clean and remove any problem-causing build-up of plaque and tartar.
Tartar can be difficult to remove at home
Even with a vigilant oral hygiene routine, you may develop some build-up of plaque and tartar. Plaque is the film that forms on the enamel of your teeth. It contains bacteria that can cause decay. The plaque begins to harden and calcify into tartar over time. Hardened tartar can be extremely difficult to remove at home. During a professional cleaning, any tartar build-up is broken up and removed. Professional cleanings can also get in hard to reach spots that you may be missing during your brushing and flossing.
Frequency is key
The longer you go between cleanings and check-ups, the more likely it is that preventable problems will develop into serious issues. Decay caught early can be removed with a cleaning. If it is not caught, it can turn into a cavity. A cavity can be treated with a filling. If left untreated, the cavity can grow deeper into the tooth. A root canal treatment can treat decay and infection that has reached the inner pulp of the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can get so deep that a dental extraction is the only answer. Once a tooth is extracted, it can cause bone loss if it is not replaced.
Professional cleanings and regular check-ups prevent most large dental issues
Dr. Vlachakis and her team would love to help you protect your smile with a professional cleaning. Schedule a consultation by calling Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry today at (281) 974-4494. We serve patients from Houston, Memorial City, Bunker Hill, West Beltway, City Center, Hedwig Village, and all surrounding communities.
