You brush your teeth every day, floss regularly, and even use mouthwash. So why do you need to get your teeth cleaned by a professional every six months? Although you might be doing a great job at home, routine dental cleanings at least twice a year are important when it comes to good oral hygiene. A professional cleaning can ensure you don’t miss those hard-to-reach-areas, so you can continue to maintain a happy, healthy smile. Here’s a look at three reasons why you need to get your teeth cleaned by our Carrollwood dentist on a regular basis:

• Plaque and tartar build-up.

No matter how well you brush and floss, there will always be some plaque and tartar that remains on your teeth. Over time, this build-up can lead to gum disease and other dental problems. A professional cleaning by your Optum dentist will remove the plaque and tartar that you can’t reach with your at-home dental care routine. This cleaning procedure is performed with special tools to thoroughly remove dental plaque from the tooth and polish the surfaces to slow down the growth of bacteria.

• Prevention is key.

Getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis helps to prevent many dental problems before they start. Your dentist is trained to spot signs of dental problems, such as cavities, cracks, and diseases of the gums. By identifying these problems early, they can be treated quickly and efficiently – before they become more serious (and more expensive to fix). If gum disease is present, we will recommend that you schedule a deep cleaning that targets the space between the gums and teeth, down to the roots. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the gums during the cleaning, as well as localized antibiotics to help with healing and sensitivity.

• It’s good for your overall health.

Did you know that poor oral health has been linked to many serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes? That’s why it’s so important to take care of your teeth! Regular professional cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health.

Your Optum Dental Arts Appointment

When you come to visit your dentist in North Tampa, we will begin the appointment with an oral examination. During the exam, they will look early for signs of cavities, erosion, or displacement and gums for any signs of gum disease. Once the examination is over, your dentist will begin to remove the plaque and tartar build-up from your gums and between your teeth, called scaling. Polishing follows after scaling and then, after a final flossing and rinse, your teeth should feel smooth and clean.

At Optum Dental Arts, we promote preventive dental care for patients to protect their teeth and maintain good oral health. Regular cleanings and checkups are one of the best ways to minimize damage to your smile and reduce dental expenses. We offer thorough teeth cleanings and dental exams for patients of all ages at our dental center near Carrollwood, in Tampa, FL. Most people require at least two professional teeth cleanings a year to remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas on their teeth. Don’t wait until you have a problem to make an appointment – prevention is key! Schedule a cleaning today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your smile is healthy and sparkling clean.

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