Novato Family Dentist Addresses the Importance of Regular Professional Cleanings

Written by Dr. McConnell on Apr 21, 2015

The goal at our Novato Family Dentist office is to keep your teeth healthy and free of decay. We offer preventive services that are designed to reduce the likelihood of the need for cosmetic or dental treatment in the future.

Healthy teeth are strong and look attractive not only durable and aesthetically pleasing, but they are vital to your overall dental health. A regular routine of brushing and flossing twice a day, is the foundation, but not sufficient to remove every trace of plaque buildup.

During the day, eating and drinking will cause plaque to form on the surface and between your teeth. Plaque is a sticky combination of bacteria and sugars, and is harmful because its acidity eats away at dental enamel, threatening the health of your tooth. Using preventive at-home maintenance like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash is effective, but won’t remove all the plaque from dental enamel.

If plaque isn’t removed from your teeth, it will harden into tartar, or “calculus.” It calcifies on your teeth, giving bacteria a perfect environment to thrive and grow. This tartar buildup can only be removed by a dentist through a deep cleaning. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a routine of regular (twice a year) professional dental cleanings to help keep a cavity-free smile.

We place a lot of emphasis on the importance of thorough oral hygiene routine, and with good reason. But it is equally important to follow a schedule of regular professional scaling and polishing treatments.

By working with us on a regular basis, we can help you establish a balance of professional and at-home care. It’s the easiest way to accomplish your dental health goals. The Novato Family Dentist will be happy to answer any questions and provide guidance, so please don’t hesitate to contact our office.