How Often Should I Get a Teeth Cleaning?

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Seeing your dentist is good for your oral hygiene, and good for your teeth. Knowing how often to see the dentist in Grand Junction, CO is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, so how often should you go? Knowing the answer to this question is important. Here’s what you need to know.

When to Come for a Standard Dental Exam

Most dentists advise their patients to get their teeth cleaned twice annually. If you have dental insurance, your insurance will likely pay for you to see the dentist every six months.

Your dentist may suggest coming to the dental office for check-ups more or less frequently based on your dental health. Very likely, your dentist will tell you when to return to the dentist office every time you finish an appointment. Mark your calendar so you’ll know when to make an appointment for your next visit.

Know When to See the Dentist

In addition to dental cleanings, there are other reasons to see the dentist. For example, you should go see the dentist when you’re having a dental emergency. An emergency may be a problem that involves a lost permanent tooth, a chip or a crack in a tooth, or severe pain in the tooth.

In addition, you should see the dentist when you’re noticing symptoms of an oral hygiene problem, such as sudden sensitivity in one tooth, an unusual discoloration on a tooth, or bad breath that won’t go away, even if you brush your teeth.

Is it time to see your dentist for a dental cleaning in Grand Junction, CO? If so, contact your dentist at Western Slope Dental Center. Call today to make an appointment.

What’s Plaque? What’s Tartar? What Can I Do to Keep It Off My Teeth?

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Plaque and tartar are terms that you hear when you’re talking to your dentist about oral hygiene and oral health. Most people are aware that plaque and tartar are problems that can develop on their teeth if they don’t go see the dentist in Grand Junction, CO. But what is the difference, and how can you stop these problems form occurring? Here’s what to know.

What’s Plaque? What’s Tartar?

Plaque is a collection of bacteria that stick together on the teeth to form a biofilm. These bacteria can be found throughout the mouth, including on the gums, teeth and tongue. The biofilm is a sticky substance that is white or yellow. It’s hard to remove.

Tartar is plaque that has calcified and hardened on the teeth. Tartar can stain your teeth, causing them to be more yellow or brown. In addition, tartar attracts more plaque, which then turns into more tartar. The tartar builds up on your teeth in this way.

What Can I Do to Keep It Off My Teeth?

If you want to keep plaque and tartar off your teeth, start by getting a dental exam in Grand Junction, CO. Do this twice annually to keep your teeth clean and slick, and free from bacteria. Plaque has a hard time building up on teeth that have been professionally cleaned by a dentist, so if you see the dentist twice annually, plaque and tartar should be less of a problem for you.

One more way to prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth: brush your teeth twice daily, and floss once daily. Proper brushing and flossing can result in clean, healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist can show you the best brushing and flossing techniques when you come in for your dental exams.

Have questions? Contact your dentist at Western Slope Dental Center.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/plaque-vs-tartar#formation-and-differences