You shouldn’t finish the year without going to your Park Ridge dentist at least twice for a teeth cleaning. It is crucial that you have your teeth professionally cleaned by our hygienists to maintain oral health. Teeth cleaning (dental prophylaxis) is a procedure in which hardened plaque (also known as tartar) is removed from the teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a film, mainly composed of bacteria, that builds in the mouth from oral bacteria’s interaction with the food that you eat. If you don’t remove plaque from the teeth by brushing and flossing, plaque will harden into tartar, especially beneath the gum line. Unfortunately, tartar build-up occurs even after regular brushing and flossing. If not addressed, tartar (which also contains bacteria) could lead to serious dental disease.
Teeth Cleaning Prevents Halitosis
Halitosis, also known as chronic bad breath, is a foul odor caused by the presence of bacteria in your mouth. There are over 600 kinds of known oral bacteria, and they assist in breaking down food you eat. Through proper brushing and flossing, bad breath could be improved by washing away the bacteria in your mouth. But, because tartar is difficult to remove, the bacteria in it would create bad odor persistently. Having your teeth cleaned removes tartar and smooths their surfaces to prevent bacteria from collecting on them, or hiding in tough-to-reach places.
Teeth Cleaning Prevents Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by tartar build-up along your gum line. This is a mild case of gum disease and usually goes unnoticed because it doesn’t cause great discomfort. If you have swollen or tender gums that bleed easily during brushing, then you might be suffering from gingivitis. Your gums are important to your dental health because they protect the teeth’s roots from bacteria. If not acted on quickly, gingivitis could progress further into periodontitis.
Teeth Cleaning Prevents Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more serious type of gums disease where the bacteria in your gums deteriorate the alveolar bone surrounding your teeth. The deterioration of the alveolar bone could lead to loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. If gingivitis develops into gum disease, you’ll need a deep cleaning, or periodontal cleaning, to remove the bacteria from between your gums and teeth roots, allowing your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth.
About your Park Ridge Dentists
To know more about teeth cleaning visit Loukas General Dentistry in Park Ridge, IL. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled general, restorative, and implant dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.