Many people are very careful about regular brushing and flossing of their teeth. If you are really careful with in-home dental care, is visiting a dentist important to maintaining your smile? Dr. Scott Stone is a Lansing dentist who can provide dental care at Smile by Stone in Lansing, MI, which will bring you to a new level of oral health.
Flossing and brushing your teeth can remove plaque and help prevent a number of problems, but the only way to ensure long-term oral health is with regular cleaning and tar removal.
Plaque vs. Tartar vs. Your Teeth
Plaque is a thin, filmy substance formed by bacteria. It sounds unappealing, and it can make your smile look yellow and dull, but more importantly, it can be very unhealthy for both your teeth and gums. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate both above and below the gum line. The bacteria will cause acids on your teeth that can degrade enamel and cause cavities. With plaque accumulation below the gum line, this same bacteria can cause infections and lead to periodontal disease.
Over time, plaque can combine with the minerals present in your saliva and harden into plaque. This can also happen above and below your gum line. Because tartar is a hard substance, you won't be able to brush it away. That is where regular cleanings come in.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
During a cleaning, your Lansing dentist in Lansing, MI, will use dental tools to scrape tartar build-up off your teeth. They will not only scrape the visible tooth surface, but also any tartar below the gum line. Periodically during your cleaning, you will be able to rinse your mouth and spit out any tartar. At the end of your cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will buff your teeth with toothpaste. The process is not painful but talk to us if you are worried about this procedure or have questions.
Dr. Stone with Smile by Stone is a Lansing dentist in Lansing, MI, who can provide a range of dental services and is committed to personalized care. Contact us today at (517) 482-5546 to schedule your cleaning and make your smile last a lifetime.