Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. However, smiling may be difficult for you if your teeth are dirty, stained, or covered in plaque or tartar. The benefits of having a beautiful smile, however, go beyond just appearance. Maintaining a beautiful smile can also help you keep your gums healthy and reduce your risk of developing cavities.
Though you may brush and floss every day, there are some teeth stains that can only be removed with a professional cleaning. In addition, a professional cleaning removes tartar and plaque, which can build up on your teeth and cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious dental problems.
At Skyview Dentistry, we provide high quality dental care services in a comfortable and supportive environment. Our skilled dentists, Seti Byrd, DMD, Jennifer D’Silva, DDS, and David Bunn, DDS, offer all the dental care treatments you need to keep your teeth healthy and gorgeous.
What causes tooth stains?
Many common foods and drinks — such as dark-colored sodas, red wine, tomatoes, blueberries, tea and coffee — can cause stains that may not come off with brushing.
Furthermore, certain habits, such as smoking, can cause stains that you may not be able to remove at home. In cases like this, you may need professional treatments to remove the stains and whiten your teeth.
What causes tartar and plaque?
Millions of bacteria live in your mouth and feed on the sugars in the foods you eat. They form a sticky substance called plaque, which, if your teeth are not cleaned regularly, can adhere to your teeth, gums, and fillings. This plaque is acidic, and, over time, it can eat through the first layer of your teeth — called the enamel — and cause cavities.
If the plaque isn’t removed while it’s still soft, it can eventually harden into a substance called tartar. This thick layer can’t be removed by brushing and flossing. It forms a yellow crust on your teeth, and besides looking unattractive, it can continue to damage your teeth and gums.
What is a professional teeth cleaning?
With a professional teeth cleaning, your provider will clean your teeth and also examine them for any issues. In addition to a visual inspection of your teeth, your dentist may take X-rays of them. This will help your dentist spot any potential issues that may be invisible to the naked eye.
During your cleaning, your provider will check the health of your gums, remove any plaque and tartar, and clean your teeth with a special brush and gritty toothpaste. Your provider will also polish your teeth and may give your teeth a fluoride treatment to help them fight tooth decay.
We generally recommend our patients have their teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months to keep them healthy and looking great. To get your teeth cleaned or to treat any dental issues you may have, book an appointment online or over the phone with Skyview Dentistry today.