Why You Need Professional Teeth Cleanings

Dr. Tiky Swain and Dr. Kimberly Anderson of Doby's Bridge Dentistry in Indian Land, SC, recommend keeping up with regular teeth cleaning appointments to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Teeth cleanings every six months are important for your oral health and your overall health. Come see us twice a year in Indian Land, SC, for cleanings and exams. Exams are necessary because they can help catch tooth decay and dental issues while they're still small and manageable. A small cavity can be repaired with a filling, but a lot of decay can completely compromise a tooth leading you to need root canals or dental implants.

Brushing at home helps remove plaque, but it does not affect tartar. Plaque is the sticky bacteria on the surfaces of your teeth, and tartar is plaque that has hardened on your teeth and cannot be brushed away. During a cleaning, your dentist removes tartar and plaque. If tartar is not removed from the gum line, it can cause gum disease. Thorough cleanings every six months prevent the buildup of tartar and help prevent gum disease.

Gum disease can lead to all kinds of dental problems including loose teeth and tooth loss. When tartar builds upon the surface of a tooth, it can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and pockets form that fill with bacteria. Regular cleanings prevent this buildup and can keep you from needing root canals and dental implants. Cleanings and exams are also important for your overall health, not just to prevent gum disease but exams include screening for oral cancer.

Maintaining a great cleaning routine at home helps keep your best smile intact and fight cavities and gum disease. The most common mistake people make is not brushing long enough. Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day is the best way to keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy.

Keep brushing and flossing at home, and come see us every six months for cleanings. Dr. Tiky Swain and Dr. Kimberly Anderson are here for you at Doby's Bridge Dentistry. Give us a call in Indian Land, SC, at (803) 650-6323.