In order to keep your smile healthy for years to come, you have to stay on top of plaque and tartar accumulation on your smile. Plaque development is an inevitable byproduct of living; there’s nothing you can do to completely stop plaque from building up throughout the day. That is why it’s so important to clean your smile daily to refresh your mouth.
But daily care alone isn’t enough; at-home care has to be combined with professional cleanings in order to minimize your risk of developing cavities and periodontal disease. The general recommendation from the American Dental Association is that patients undergo such cleanings every six months or so. If you have underlying whole-body or oral health issues, your dentist may recommend that you undergo cleanings more frequently.
One of the primary benefits of a professional cleaning is that our dentist is able to clean tartar off of your smile. Tartar is plaque that has been allowed to sit on the enamel, and has thus calcified to the tooth surface. Once plaque becomes tartar, you really need a professional cleaning to get rid of it.
During your appointment, our team will also assess your smile for any signs of dental damage or infection. Oral health problems—from cavities to gum disease—are most easily, affordably, and quickly treated when they’re in their earliest stages. Along with screening your smile for infections and damage, we’ll complete a thorough oral cancer screening to check for anomalous tissues.
Even if it has been years since you’ve been in for a professional dental cleaning, in fact, especially if it has been years, our Toluca Lake dentists are here to help you get your smile back on track. So, give us a call to learn more or to schedule a personal consultation with our team!