You might not be surprised to learn that neglecting to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day is one of the most effective ways to endanger your smile’s health and integrity. However, did you know that skipping even one of your regular dental exams and cleanings can do just as much damage? Your Southlake dentists, Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron, explain the importance that professional dental cleanings and checkups have to your continued good oral health.
A Team Effort
Your number one target when brushing and flossing your teeth is the sticky stuff that sometimes adheres to them, called plaque. Dental plaque is comprised of a myriad of oral bacteria, which create the colorless gunk to protect themselves from your mouth’s natural defense mechanisms, like saliva. After about 48 hours, plaque calcifies, or hardens, into an insoluble substance called tartar, which is too stubborn for your toothbrush and floss to remove. Protected by tartar, oral bacteria can flourish, and many of their metabolic processes can prove harmful to your teeth and gums. At your six-month dental exam and cleaning, our talented hygienists will thoroughly remove all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gum line, and Dr. Wright or Dr. Heron will perform a comprehensive exam to detect early signs of dental trouble.
A Closer Look, Just in Case
Extra-strength cleaning power isn’t the only reason your dental visits are important. Most dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease, are progressive, meaning they only grow worse with time. By detecting and treating such issues early, you can help avoid the need for extensive treatment later by stopping the disease before it can destroy your teeth or gums.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
