Thoroughly Get Rid of Plaque & Tartar Buildup
No matter how diligent you are with your oral hygiene routine, some areas in your mouth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. Over time, plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which can’t be removed by brushing alone. can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which are serious threats to your oral health.
Regular cleanings inside our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office allow our hygienists to remove both plaque and tartar, especially from those hard-to-reach areas. This form of preventive dental care reduces the risk of cavities and prevents bacteria from spreading beneath the gum line, which can lead to gum disease.
Our local family dentist and staff can also provide personalized advice during your visit. Are you brushing too hard? Missing certain areas? Struggling with sensitive teeth? We can offer guidance tailored to your needs, helping you improve your home care routine.
Prevent & Avoid Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as , is a major concern in adult dental health. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, causes inflammation, bleeding, and irritation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss and damage to the bone that supports your teeth.
Receiving a dental cleaning is a key defense against gum disease. During a cleaning, our hygienists not only remove tartar and plaque but also look for early signs of gum disease. Quick detection allows for less invasive treatment, such as a deep cleaning, to prevent the condition from worsening.
Get Ahead of Potential Problems
Another benefit of a teeth cleaning appointment is that it gives our dentist the opportunity to catch dental problems early. Many issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer, can be difficult to detect on your own in the early stages. During a professional cleaning, we’ll examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, infection, or other issues that may not be causing symptoms yet.
By identifying these problems early, we can recommend treatment before they become more serious, costly, or painful. For instance, catching a cavity early can prevent the need for more extensive treatments like root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Maintain a Bright Smile & Fresh Breath
One often overlooked perk of regular cleanings is their contribution to fresh breath and a brighter smile. Tartar buildup and bacteria in the mouth can lead to persistent bad breath (halitosis). A professional cleaning removes these bacteria and plaque, helping you maintain fresh breath.
In addition, the polishing step of a dental cleaning removes surface stains from your teeth, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. While teeth cleanings aren’t a substitute for teeth whitening, they can help keep your teeth looking their best by eliminating stains from coffee, tea, or other foods and beverages.
Discuss Preventive Measures Like Dental Sealants
For those prone to cavities, especially children and teenagers, dental sealants are an excellent preventive measure. Tooth sealants are thin, protective coatings painlessly applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent decay. While sealants are highly effective, regular cleanings are still essential to monitor the condition of the sealants and ensure they remain intact.
Call to Schedule a Cleaning
Our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, encourages patients of all ages to come in for a cleaning twice a year. Whether it’s been awhile since your last visit or you need to schedule for a child, call MI Roots Family Dental today at (616) 453-0002 to request an appointment and we’ll get you taken care of.