Many patients believe that brushing regularly and flossing daily will protect their teeth adequately enough. While thorough oral hygiene is important, professional dental cleanings should be performed regularly to prevent gum disease and other serious issues. Professional dentists are trained to clean teeth better and more efficiently than common at-home techniques can.

At North Atlanta Aesthetic Dentistry, we recommend our patients visit Dr. Gurley for a dental cleaning and checkup every three to six months. We will also be able to check for cavities and perform an oral cancer screening during this time. Before you contact our Alpharetta dental office for an appointment, let our staff fill you in on the importance of regular dental cleanings.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth as a result of the food you eat and the beverages you drink. While brushing removes most of this, and flossing can reach plaque between your teeth, it is impossible to rid your mouth entirely of plaque. Worse yet, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove.

Dental cleanings are the best option to ensure your teeth are free of plaque. Of course, if Dr. Gurley notices any plaque that has hardened, he can remove it for you. Depending on the severity of the tartar buildup, this may require a separate dental appointment as routine dental cleanings will not be sufficient at removing the tartar. Removing and preventing plaque and tartar buildup is important for a number of reasons, many of which are health related.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Dental Cleanings

As mentioned above, many of the dangers associated with plaque and tartar are health related. Some of the risks that are increased when you skip your dental cleanings are:
Cavities: Plaque and tartar contain an immense amount of bacteria. They will feed on sugars in your mouth and slowly eat away at the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to cavities, also known as dental caries.
Gum Disease: Another common issue with plaque and tartar build up is an increased risk of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. In turn, gum disease can lead to a number of adverse health risks.
Heart Disease: Bacteria can work its way through your body from your mouth and increase your risk for heart disease. This can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attacks, and a number of other unwanted health issues.

Visit North Atlanta Aesthetic Dentistry

As you can see, dental cleanings are immensely important and should not be skipped. If you are in need of a dental cleaning, checkup, and oral cancer screening, North Atlanta Aesthetic Dentistry is here to help. You can contact our Alpharetta, GA office here or give us a call at 770.664.1244 to schedule an appointment today!