Be honest. When was the last time you went to the dentist for a cleaning? You can brush and floss twice-a-day and watch your sugar intake, but without six month
checkups and cleanings, many dental issues can be missed. Plaque is pervasive and persistent, and when it hardens into tartar, it requires the skills of a professional dental hygienist to be removed safely. The importance of regular dental checkups cannot be understated.
Plaque is Born
Bacteria in your mouth number in the thousands. Some are good and some are extremely detrimental to your oral health. When a particular bacteria called Streptococcus mutans combines with acid, saliva, and food debris, the sticky biofilm called plaque will begin to form. When plaque coats your teeth and congregates in the cracks and crevices in your mouth, you have a mere 48 hours to remove it before it calcifies into tartar. If this tartar is allowed to settle on your gumline, irritation and disease can occur. Gum disease starts off mildly enough, but can quickly transition into a more severe form which is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Fortunately, gum disease will be looked for at every six month checkup.
Dental Health Maintenance
Dental checkups allow your hygienist and dentist to team up and make sure that you are leaving the office with a clean slate twice-a-year. Many dental health issues are a result of buildup. Maintaining your oral health through preventive dental care can make the difference between gum disease and decay, or a completely clean and healthy mouth. While gum disease and cavities can’t be reversed, the earlier they are treated, the less likely you are to have worse problems result from these bacterial infections.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Columbia TN Dentist:
Are you in need of a dental checkup?For more information, visit your Columbia TN dentist. David Foster, DDS is a Columbia, TN native who has served the dental needs of patients and their families in our community since 1985. If you live in Columbia, Lewisburg, Lawrenceburg, Hohenwald, Centerville, Pulaski, or any of the surrounding communities, then call us today at (931) 388 – 3384 to schedule an appointment.
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