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Our dentist in 92117, Dr. Xusheng Mu, wants you to have teeth and gums that are healthy, strong, and worry-free. In order to ensure that, a teeth cleaning twice per year is essential. Tooth decay and the cavities that form as a result, as well as gum disease, can both be traced back to the effects of plaque. With a nutritious diet that limits the amount of sugar you eat, brushing after meals, and flossing daily, you can eliminate the vast majority of plaque from your mouth. But no matter how careful you are, some can hide between teeth and in gum pockets, eventually hardening into tartar. Once that happens, no amount of effort on your part can remove it.
When you come in for your dental exam every six months, our dentist in 92117 will do a physical inspection of your teeth and gums. X-rays will be taken, so that any cavities, even small ones, will be found. The goal is to fill them before they can grow, because large cavities are strongly linked to a greater risk for infections that might eventually require root canal or even a tooth extraction from advanced decay. As important as that is, the plaque and tartar that formed the cavities to begin with are still there, ready to do more damage. That's where a teeth cleaning comes in. Not only will it eradicate all of the plaque and tartar, as well as any stray food remnants, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and free of the culprits that cause tooth decay, but teeth cleanings are also excellent for your gums.
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. When our dentist in 92117 detects any signs of it, such as gum redness or irritation, a teeth cleaning is often enough to reverse its effects and get your gums back on the road to optimal health. Sometimes, a second cleaning may be necessary to complete the job. But if gingivitis is not addressed promptly, it will progress into the second stage, periodontitis. At that point, more invasive cleaning methods are required. In addition, you will be at greater risk for having weakened gums and loose teeth as a result. The time could not be more perfect to make an appointment with us if it's been at least six months since your last teeth cleaning.
By Xusheng Mu, DDS
June 20, 2015
At the office of Xusheng Mu, DDS we value your time and make it easy to book an appointment for care! With a quick phone call or form submission you could be on your way to a beautiful, straight smile.
Click here to begin your journey.
