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Category Archives: Cleanings & Scaling/Root Planing

Avoid Gum Disease With Regular Visits to a Family Dentist

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When you smile, talk, or chew, you are probably thinking more about your teeth than about your gums. The truth is, though, that gums and teeth work together to promote dental health. From the time the first tooth erupts, all teeth depend on the blood flow provided by the gum tissue.

And, just like teeth, gums can be attacked by harmful bacteria.

Millions of people all throughout the United States have gingivitis, an early-stage infection that can develop into full-blown gum disease. Gingivitis can go unnoticed because the symptoms are relatively mild, including redness and irritation in the affected gum tissue.

Occasional light bleeding of the gums may or may not be present.

Here’s the thing: If gingivitis is allowed to progress to gum disease, it can be very painful.

Sufferers will often notice the difference right away:

  • Gum disease usually produces ongoing pain, versus only occasional irritation;
  • Gum disease can cause large patches of black, gray, or red gum discoloration;
  • Areas with active gum disease may develop lesions that can have discharge.

Gum disease can threaten the underlying bone that anchors teeth and gums in the mouth. The loss of bone is usually permanent, although some cutting-edge treatments can result in limited bone recovery. All in all, it’s best to protect your gums with the help of a family dentist!

Safeguarding Your Gums: Advice from a Santa Cruz Family Dentist

When it comes to the well-being of your mouth, your gums are just as important as any one of your teeth. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the most crucial step for defending them. To make them even safer, consider these good dental habits:

Floss Regularly

Flossing can be a tough habit to start, but it is worth it! Much of the damage bacteria can do to gums arises from small food particles left between teeth. If you find regular floss difficult to use, try a soft interdental pick or a water flosser set to a low setting.

Massage the Gums

Massaging your gums can promote better blood flow, which helps support gums’ overall health. You don’t need to use toothpaste while massaging the gums. A soft-bristled manual toothbrush is better than an automatic one, since it will be more gentle.

See a Family Dentist

Many problems with the teeth and gums are hard to spot on your own. They might produce very subtle symptoms at first. In many cases, they will show up in parts of the mouth that you can’t see easily. Visiting a family dentist at least twice a year is the safest way to stay healthy.

Gumline Symptoms? It’s Not Too Late to See Your Friendly Family Dentist

The most common sign of gum problems people notice is bleeding. Bleeding can be prolonged (with a darker red color) or it might show up as a slight pinkish tint when you wash out your mouth. If it happens more than once, set a dental appointment.

For friendly, professional help, contact Landmark Dental Group.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

See A Family Dentist During Pregnancy For A Healthy Mouth

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Pregnancy is a complex time in a woman’s life. In addition to planning for the joys of motherhood, you have to maintain good health. Between eating right, getting enough rest, and exercise, one thing often gets overlooked.

Believe it or not, pregnancy is an important time for your teeth and gums – and it’s vital to check in with a family dentist, just as you would with other prenatal care specialists.

Pregnant? Your Family Dentist Can Help Protect Your Teeth in a Time of Change

During pregnancy, many of your body’s systems change quickly to support the new life growing inside. You know that you’re “eating for two” – or more – but did you know pregnancy can also affect your teeth and gums?

The American Dental Association has pointed out infections in the teeth and gums can influence the rest of your body. Bacteria, especially those that attack the gums, may travel through the bloodstream if they are allowed to thrive.

For a smooth and simple pregnancy that supports peak health for mother and baby, it’s vital to see a family dentist. Even a relatively simple dental cleaning can help ensure fewer inconveniences and health issues down the line.

A Top Dental Priority: “Root Out” Unnoticed Gingivitis During Pregnancy

One thing a family dentist can help with is gingivitis, a long-term infection in the gums that starts with mild inflammation and occasional bleeding. People may not realize they have gingivitis: It can progress quietly for months or even years.

Left unchecked, it develops into much more serious periodontal disease.

This is one major dental concern any pregnant woman should ask her family dentist about. Let’s face it: Pregnancy can be hectic! You might not be spending as much time as you used to on brushing and flossing. Far better to get professional help sooner, not later.

What to Expect from Your Family Dentist Appointment

Your first dental appointment during pregnancy might be a little longer than usual. It’s a good idea to get a complete dental examination, which may include x-rays if it’s been a while or you have dental concerns. A dental cleaning is also helpful.

In cases where gum infection is active, it may be necessary to perform a deep cleaning. This is a specialized procedure that helps clear out bacteria under the gumline. Using this treatment, most simple cases of periodontitis can be arrested or reversed.

To make your appointment successful, be ready to tell your dentist how far along you are in your pregnancy, what medications you are taking, and whether you have any tooth or gum symptoms.

During pregnancy, be sure to follow these dental health tips:

  • Brush teeth gently at least twice every day with a soft-bristled brush;
  • Replace brushes at least every three months as bristles become hard;
  • Use floss or a soft interdental cleaning pick on a regular basis.

A caring and trustworthy dental team makes things easier. Contact Landmark Dental Group to find out more or set an appointment.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment From Your General Dentist

Santa Cruz General Dentist

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Gingivitis, also called gum disease, is suffered by millions of people all over the United States. This early form of gum disease can be relatively mild – but it represents harmful bacteria beginning to colonize the gums through hard, sticky deposits of plaque on the teeth.

People can go months or even years with this stealthy disease without even noticing it. The longer there are undisturbed pockets of plaque on the teeth, the more likely it is bacteria will successfully attack and begin to colonize the soft tissue that holds the teeth in place.

The signs include:

  • Mild redness in the gums – sometimes noticeable only on one “set” of gums;
  • Occasional bleeding of the gums, typically at the same time you brush or floss your teeth.

How does gingivitis creep up on people?

Simply, it can be hard to tell if symptoms are directly related to gum disease. Bleeding of the gums can be caused accidentally by brushing too hard with a rough, older toothbrush even if your gums are healthy. The same can be true of mild, temporary gum irritation.

If you notice these symptoms for more than a day or two, it’s time to see a dentist!

Over time, gingivitis develops into periodontal disease – the form of the disease a general dentist usually means when talking about “gum disease.” During the advanced stage, the gums are eroded by the infection. If it goes untreated, it can permanently destroy bone. This leads to the loss of many teeth, and could result in a life-threatening systemic infection.

Your General Dentist Advises You on Gum Disease Prevention

Although many people do have gingivitis, it’s possible to halt the progress of the disease and even stop it for good through regular dental care. Some steps you should take to protect your gums include:

Brush Regularly

You should brush your teeth each morning, at night, and within about 30 minutes of every meal. Brushing disrupts the formation of biofilm, which ultimately hardens into plaque. Without plaque, gingivitis cannot spread and damage gums.

Floss as Much as You Can

Flossing is tough for many people. However, even doing it once in a while is better than not at all. If you’re not flossing yet, start by doing it once a week. Using a hand-held “floss wand” or a water flosser can make the process faster, easier, and more effective.

Massage the Gums

Your gums provide a constant supply of blood to your teeth. Even if you don’t have time to sit down and brush, spending two minutes gently massaging the gums with a soft, manual brush can help keep gums strong and resistant to infection.

Maintain the Mouth’s pH Balance

Your mouth naturally fights off infection through its production of saliva. If you suffer from dry mouth, be sure to see a general dentist as soon as you can to get to the root of the problem. Sugar-free gum can help promote saliva production.

For help from a trusted general dentist, contact Landmark Dental Group.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

When You Have A Tooth Sensitivity Don’t Delay In Calling A General Dentist

Tooth Sensitivity Santa Cruz

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Ouch! When you find yourself suffering from tooth sensitivity, even your favorite meal can turn into a chore. There are many reasons why tooth sensitivity can take place, but all of them point to one thing: The need to see a general dentist as soon as you can to evaluate the problem.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

From the outside, it might seem like teeth are nothing but hard minerals – almost like rocks. But, in fact, they are living things just like all the other major systems in your body. Your teeth are nourished by the blood flow supplied by your gums and are each served by their own nerve.

With all that in mind, it’s not surprising that they can experience sensitivity.

About 40 million Americans experience some tooth sensitivity on a regular basis. Unfortunately, it can mean there’s an underlying problem with your teeth or their nerves that needs to be treated!

Some of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity include:

Worn-Out Tooth Enamel

If your toothbrush is too hard, you could actually contribute to tooth sensitivity when you brush. It’s important to replace your toothbrush at least every six months to ensure the bristles remain their softest. You should also avoid brushing too vigorously.

Tooth Erosion Due to Acid

Some acidic foods and drinks are so powerful, they can temporarily soften tooth enamel. In fact, you should avoid brushing your teeth for 15-30 minutes after eating to prevent this from causing damage. Sugar-free gum can also help restore the mouth’s pH balance.

Tooth Decay and Bad Fillings

Of course, tooth decay can lead to sensitivity. However, that’s really only half the story. Many people who have fillings might believe they’re safe from decay – but, as fillings age, they start to break down. If you have old-fashioned amalgam fillings, they may need to be replaced.

Gum Recession

Everybody experiences some recession of gum tissue with age. This gradual process is the origin of the saying “long in the tooth.” If gum recession is accelerated by decay or other issues, gums might retreat far enough that sensitivity to cold and heat will result.

Bruxism

Some people experience tooth sensitivity because they grind their teeth at night. This condition, called bruxism, can cause microscopic damage to teeth. People often don’t know they are doing it until a sleeping partner lets them know.

How Does a General Dentist Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can usually be treated by addressing the underlying problem. This usually means cleaning the teeth, treating any active decay, and replacing damaged fillings. If the discomfort is caused by bruxism, a special dental appliance can often curb symptoms.

A good general dentist will always strive to save a tooth, even if it is damaged. In extreme cases, root canal therapy can be performed to eliminate the tooth nerve. This prevents the tooth from detecting hot and cold sensations, while still leaving it structurally sound.

For help from a general dentist you can trust, contact Landmark Dental Group.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Is It Time For A Cleaning And Check Up With Your Dentist In Santa Cruz?

Checkup Local Dentist

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You already know that you should brush your teeth every day and floss as often as you can. But, even if you do everything right, you should still visit a dentist Santa Cruz trusts – at least once every year. If you can’t remember the last time you got a professional teeth cleaning, it’s probably time!

How Often Do You Need to Get Your Teeth Cleaned Professionally?

With all the hectic things that happen in life, it’s easy to forget about your dental appointment – or put it off until later. Still, you shouldn’t delay too long: Dental problems can develop between cleanings that you might not be able to spot yourself.

The average adult should plan for a cleaning at least once a year. It’s often a good idea to get two cleanings each year, though. And some people should consider visiting the dentist even more frequently under special circumstances. Additionally, some people may benefit from scaling and root planing, also known as “deep cleaning,” if it has been many years since their last cleaning and there is significant buildup on teeth.

Pencil in an appointment with your dentist if any of these apply to you:

You Have a Known Dental Health Complaint

If you’ve recently had severe tooth decay, gum disease, or another dental problem, you should schedule regular follow-ups with your dentist until the problem has completely disappeared. That may mean quarterly cleanings for a year to make sure everything is as it should be.

Your Child is Getting His or Her Permanent Teeth

Young children who are in the process of getting their permanent teeth should see the dentist more regularly, too – especially if they’ve experienced decay in their “baby teeth.” It’s important to monitor the development of permanent teeth closely to ensure they erupt on time.

If teeth are late to grow in or become crooked or crowded, the best way to reduce complications is to get treatment as soon as possible. That usually means visiting the dentist every few months as more teeth emerge. A cleaning can be performed once they’ve all arrived.

You Are an Elder Concerned About Your Teeth

Getting a regular dental cleaning can help you protect your teeth well into the golden years. While it is not uncommon for people to lose a tooth with age and normal wear and tear, this can often be prevented.

People over the age of 50 should be especially careful about seeing the dentist whenever they experience a tooth complaint. Soreness or bleeding in the gums, or sensitivity in any of the teeth, can mean that you need a new filling or tooth extraction.

In many cases, a cleaning is performed before any of these procedures to reduce complications.

Landmark Dental Group: The Dentists Santa Cruz Patients Can Rely On

Maintaining your dental health requires a daily commitment. It can be hard work, but you don’t have to do it alone! If you want professional service from the dentist Santa Cruz patients turn to, visit Landmark Dental Group. We’re always glad to help you.

To find out more or to schedule your dental cleaning, contact us soon.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Family Dental Practice Explains Why It’s Important To Floss

Flossing Santa Cruz

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Next to brushing, flossing is the most important thing you can do to protect your teeth. While brushing works to remove biofilm from the teeth – keeping it from hardening into dental plaque – flossing protects the spaces between your teeth. They’re just as important!

As a family dental practice, the team at Landmark Dental Group hears a lot of questions about flossing. It’s easy to get confused about flossing, because there’s a lot of incorrect information out there. Not to worry … let’s get the facts about flossing!

When It Comes to Great Dental Health, Flossing is Worth the Effort

Ideally, you should floss at least once a day – in the evening, after dinner. Of course, many people floss only occasionally. Researchers estimate that about 27% of adults lie about flossing. Of course, the number may be even higher. Up to 33% of Americans never floss at all.

So, what’s the big deal about flossing? It’s more important than you might think!

Flossing protects you from invading bacteria that feed on food particles between teeth. Just like the front and top surfaces of teeth, these hidden surfaces can be subject to decay or cavities. If you don’t floss, bacteria can fester in hard-to-reach areas for days or even weeks at a time.

Flossing has a number of other important benefits:

  • It helps safeguard against inflammation that can damage gums and cause them to recede;
  • It works to promote better blood flow in the gums, which promotes overall dental health;
  • It keeps you more engaged in dental health, so you’ll remember to brush more frequently.

Want to Enjoy the Benefits of Flossing? Try Making it Easier

At our family dental practice, we’ve heard everything you can imagine about why flossing can be difficult, annoying, or boring. Guess what? We understand completely! Flossing can sometimes be inconvenient, and might even cause little aggravations like temporary bleeding of the gums.

Still, flossing even two or three times a week is better than skipping it!

To make flossing into a habit you can stick with, consider these methods:

  • Try dental picks to dislodge larger food particles from between teeth before brushing;
  • Use floss attached to a convenient handle to more easily access difficult-to-reach areas;
  • Try using a water flosser, which uses a gentle jet of water to clean between the teeth;
  • Commit to one minute of uninterrupted flossing each time you finish brushing teeth.

Your Family Dental Practice Can Advise You on Flossing

If you feel uncomfortable with flossing, you’re not alone. Still, the best way to protect your mouth now and in the future is to find the approach to flossing that works for you. At Landmark Dental Group, we can help you reduce discomfort and achieve great results with flossing.

At Landmark Dental Group of Santa Cruz, we work with patients of all ages and needs as a true family dental practice. Don’t wait: Contact us today for more information or to set your appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Looking for a Dentist Near You? Get 2017 Started Off Right With a High-Quality Santa Cruz Dentist

Photo Credit:  luckybusiness | Adobe Stock

Photo Credit: luckybusiness | Adobe Stock

Get 2017 Started off Right with a High-Quality Santa Cruz Dentist Near You

With the new year here, it’s time to start thinking about your smile. If you’ve been neglecting your teeth, it’s time to make the resolution to get back to taking care of them. Start by finding a high-quality Santa Cruz dentist near you.

Check out what they can do for you:

Keep Your Teeth Clean and Healthy

What’s the most basic thing a Santa Cruz dentist can do for you? The answer is simple: keep your teeth clean and healthy. Regular check-ups and cleanings are a must for good oral hygiene.

And, if you’re in need of extra special care, Landmark Dental Group also offers root scaling and planing for people with gingivitis or deep pockets that hide tartar and plaque. Everyone needs to come to the dentist at least twice a year for preventative care even if you don’t have a problem. It’s the best way to stop problems before they start.

Get Your Whole Family Treated

As a family dentist office, Landmark Dental makes treating your whole family easy because they see anyone at any age. If you have a child whose first tooth just emerged, they invite you to bring your child for their first exam. You’ll learn how best to care for your child’s teeth. If you have a geriatric parent, bring them by. Older patients often have many problems such as dry mouth, gum disease, etc., that need specialized attention.

Fix Problems That Arise

Of course, even with good preventative care, problems may arise. A little too much sugar could lead to a cavity, and a lot of sugar could lead to a big crack. Your Santa Cruz dentist is there to help with fillings, crowns and extractions. They even offer tooth-colored fillings. So if you need a filling or have metal fillings, you can have them replaced with white fillings that look like natural teeth. Everyone will think you’ve never had a cavity on your life!

Get a Complete Smile

It’s so common to have one or two missing teeth, especially if you are older. This can sometimes be embarrassing, but Landmark Dental Group has you covered. They offer three different ways to replace missing teeth: dentures, dental bridges and dental implants.

Dental implants are the most durable way to replace missing teeth, but they are expensive. Whatever your budget and preferences, you’ll find a way to get the complete smile you desire.

Perfect Your Smile

So many things affect the beauty of your smile: discoloration, genetics, poor oral hygiene, etc. In the past, you pretty much had to live with an imperfect smile. However, today, there are many ways a Santa Cruz dentist can give you a breathtaking smile. Some services include teeth whitening, veneers and crowns. These are all great ways to make your smile look brighter, healthier and younger.

Stay Calm and Relaxed

Too many people have anxiety about going to the dentist, and in the past, there may have been reason, but today, going to the dentist is painless. Of course, that doesn’t always stop your anxiety. So, if you need a way to relax in the chair, choose sedation. You can choose from inhalation sedation, oral sedation and IV conscious sedation. All of them make you feel so relaxed you may fall asleep. Plus, they have some amnesiac qualities, so you won’t remember much of your visit — making it less scary to go to the dentist in the future.

Don’t neglect your mouth a moment longer. You want to be proactive with your smile, so serious problems don’t arise. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

New Year’s Resolutions for your teeth!

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Photo Credit: puhhha | Adobe Stock

4 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Your Teeth

Miguel de Cervantes expressed in this quote many years ago: “Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” Wouldn’t it be great if everyone thought of their teeth as highly valuable assets?

The good news is that the New Year is a time for people to start over. This year, consider a resolution for your teeth. If you haven’t been doing everything you can for your smile, check out these resolution ideas for your mouth that Landmark family dentistry in Santa Cruz can help with.

Start Flossing

Even if you brush your teeth like a pro, if you aren’t flossing, you’re hurting your teeth. Plaque and bacteria love those little hiding spots between your teeth because your tooth brush can’t reach them. Flossing between your teeth at least once a day removes the bacteria. Not only does this reduce the risk of decay between your teeth (which requires a filling) it also reduces your risk of gum disease. Gum disease occurs when your gums become infected with the bacteria in your mouth. If you don’t floss, you’re allowing that bacteria to build up, eventually leading to swollen, irritated, bleeding and painful gums. If you have bridges, make sure to get special floss or flossers and floss under your bridges daily too.

Reduce Sugar Intake

Sweets, candy, desserts and anything else with tons of sugar are delicious, but they wreak havoc on your entire body. Eating a lot of sugar increases your risk of cavities. If you tend to dine on sugary foods or beverages, make a resolution to reduce your intake. One good way to reduce your sugar intake is by not drinking soda anymore. Reducing your sugar intake is also a good idea because it lowers your risk of developing diabetes, and there is a correlation between diabetes and your oral health. People with diabetes can’t fight infection as well, making them more likely to develop gum disease and other infections.

Get Regular Cleanings

It’s so easy to skip going to the dentist until something starts to hurt. However, if you visit a dentist on a regular basis, you might not develop any problems at all. Preventative care is extremely important in dental health because it’s impossible to re-grow your teeth. Instead of dealing with cavities after they develop, stop them before they happen by getting regular cleanings. Your dentist uses this time to get rid of tartar and plaque, but it’s also a good opportunity for your dentist to spot any potential problems, such as a weak spot in your enamel, so that you can protect it before it causes problems.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your body, but it also affects your teeth. For starters, cigarettes can turn your teeth brown. These stains can be whitened with tooth whitening procedures, but they will return again and again. Like diabetes, smoking also makes it harder to fight against infection, so your risk of gum disease drastically increases. Severe gum disease can lead to severe tooth loss and gum recession. Last, smoking and any tobacco product increases your risk of developing cancer, including lip, mouth and throat cancer. So if you smoke, stop — and see how quickly your mouth and entire body improve.

With a New Year approaching, it’s time to start thinking about something you can do for your smile. Any of these are great ideas and will make your mouth happier. For more information about what you can do for your smile this New Year, contact Landmark Dental Group, a family dentist in Santa Cruz, today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

I’m afraid of the dentist, I haven’t been in years!

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Photo Credit: nikolasvn | Adobe Stock

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Fear the Dentist

So many people are scared to go to the dentist, especially if they haven’t been in a long time. However, there is nothing scary about going to the dentist.

In fact, check out these five reasons not to fear going to a dentist:

1. Dentists Can Do So Much

Not only do dentists want to ensure that you have a healthy smile, but they also want to make sure you have a beautiful smile. Many general dentists nowadays offer cosmetic services. Not only can your dentist suggest treatments like fillings, root canal therapy, etc., but they can also suggest ways to make your smile look perfect with veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants.

2. Cleanings Prevent Pain

Cleanings can be painful sometimes. If you don’t floss regularly, your gums may bleed when the hygienist flosses your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, the cold water may hurt. However, cleanings prevent more severe, serious pain, such as cavities and infections. To reduce the pain of cleanings, make sure you floss at home, and ask your dentist about toothpaste for sensitive teeth. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication before your visit.

3. Novocain Will Numb the Pain

If the dentist does need to perform a treatment that may cause pain, Novocain will be used to numb the area. You don’t need to be scared because the entire area is numb while you are treated. Some people fear the dentist because they underwent a filling or root canal therapy, and they didn’t receive enough Novocain. This isn’t normal. If you do experience pain during the treatment, tell your dentist. They will stop and apply more Novocain until you are completely numb.

4. Dental Treatments Relieve Pain

If you’re in pain because of a cavity, fracture, infection, etc., you should be jumping at the chance to go see your dentist. Many people associate the pain of a problem like an infection with the dentist, but the dentist is fixing the problem, not making it worse. Therefore, even if you experience some pain after the treatment because the area is tender, it pales in comparison to the pain you experienced before, and quickly, the pain will completely leave.

5. Sedation Is Available

If you are still nervous about going to the dentist, ask about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry helps keep you relaxed during the treatment. You are awake during the procedure, but you don’t register every little thing the dentist is doing, which makes it easy to pretend you are somewhere else. There are three types of sedation: inhalation, oral pill and IV conscious. You may become so drowsy and relaxed you fall asleep. If you choose oral pill or IV conscious sedation, you’ll need a ride home.

Don’t let your teeth decay because you’re scared of going to the dentist. Just like your doctor, the dentist doesn’t want you to be in pain. Landmark Dental legitimately cares about your oral health; we’ll do all that we can to make your mouth healthy and beautiful. For more information, or if you have questions, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

What You Get From Regular Professional Tooth Cleanings

What You Get From Regular Professional Tooth Cleanings

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What You Get From Regular Professional Tooth Cleanings

It’s easy to ignore those routine dental cleanings, especially if you don’t have any pain. However, a tooth cleaning is an important piece of your overall dental health. Check out these five benefits you get from regular professional cleanings.

1. Lower Risk of Cavities

Of course, the most obvious benefit of regular dental cleanings is less risk of cavities. As plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, they damage your tooth enamel. If left untreated, this leads to tooth decay or cavities. Regular brushing and flossing at home removes easy-to-reach plaque. However, a dental cleaning is the best way to get rid of hard-to-clean areas, such as below the gum line. A professional tooth cleaning is also the only way to remove tartar effectively without damaging enamel.

2. Reduced Gum Inflammation

All that plaque and tartar on your teeth doesn’t just affect the tooth tissue. It affects your gums too. Too much tartar can cause your gums to become inflamed and sore. If the tartar isn’t removed, it can lead to gingivitis. With a good cleaning, the tartar is removed, and the inflammation to your gums is reduced. In some cases, the irritation may cause pockets to develop, which harbor plaque and tartar. If these pockets are deep enough, your dentist may suggest scaling and root planing to clean and smooth below the gum line.

3. Brighter Smile

True, the best way to whiten your smile is with tooth whitening. However, if you have tobacco, food or beverage stains on your teeth, such as stains from coffee or red wine, professional cleanings can help remove those. When the dentist polishes your teeth, some of these stains are removed. After your cleaning, you’ll notice, whiter teeth without the need to schedule a tooth whitening session.

4. Increased Chance of Catching Serious Problems Early

Your dentist does more than just clean your teeth. A good dentist also looks for signs of more serious problems. For starters, with X-rays, your dentist looks for any signs of infection that may require a root canal. However, your dentist can spot more deadly problems too. If you show any signs or symptoms of oral cancer, your chances of catching it early vastly increase if you regularly see your dentist for cleanings. Spotting any cancer early is key in winning the fight.

5. Education for At-Home Care

When you go in for your regular dental cleaning, it is the perfect time to ask your dentist questions about your oral health care. Are you unsure about the toothpaste you are using, which type of floss is best, how often should you be flossing, etc.? Find out everything you can do at home to make sure your mouth stays healthy and you don’t have to spend a bunch of money on extensive dental work.

Tooth cleaning is simple, fast and effective, so there is no excuse to skip your next appointment. Cleaning helps to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful without costing a fortune. For more information, or to schedule a cleaning, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz