Enamel is a thin covering that protects the teeth, it’s a hard shell which acts as a defense against plaque and tartar. Caring for your enamel through good oral health habits and regular professional cleanings is essential for your overall oral health. Visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning will ensure the removal of harmful plaque and tartar, ultimately preventing enamel decay and erosion.
If you’re overdue for a cleaning, reach out to Columbia Smiles today, where our team of trusted professionals will help protect your enamel. You can reach our office at 410.690.4855 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
Protect Your Enamel Through Regular Cleanings
One of the most important ways dental cleanings help enamel is through decay prevention. During a cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, including hard-to-reach places.
How do dental cleanings help enamel? There are a few ways that cleanings promote the health of your teeth and gums:
- Regular cleanings help prevent cavities
- Tartar and plaque removal prevents enamel erosion
- Fluoride treatments can strengthen enamel
- Your dentist can spot potential problems before they become more complicated issues
In addition to regular cleanings, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing and flossing every day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to further protect your enamel.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
You will find that a significant aspect of your cleaning is the actual dental exam. Your hygienist or dentist uses a small mirror to look at every corner of your mouth, including behind hard-to-see molars. They’ll look for signs of gingivitis and tooth decay. Discoloration, chips, and inflammation can all be signs of potential oral issues. If you’re experiencing any pain, discomfort, or sensitivity, this is a good time to tell your dentist.
The actual cleaning involves the use of a scaler to remove plaque and tartar. While you might hear scraping sounds during this process, the scaler will not hurt your enamel. In actuality, your hygienist is removing tartar and plaque that can lead to enamel decay and cavities. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by a dental professional.
Next, your hygienist will use a special electric toothbrush with a gritty toothpaste that polishes the surface of the teeth, taking away any trace of plaque or tartar. They’ll also floss your teeth. Even if you floss at home regularly, your hygienist will check for inflammation as they floss.
Finally, your hygienist might provide a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen enamel. A fluoride gel or rinse can help remineralize weakened enamel and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. While fluoride is found in drinking water and toothpaste, the more concentrated solutions your hygienist will use can quickly protect your teeth.
Reach Out to Columbia Smiles Today
Don’t put off your next cleaning. Visiting your dentist every six months can help you avoid more complicated dental procedures later. At Columbia Smiles, we offer dental cleanings and exams as well as a variety of other dental services, including:
We’ll help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Columbia Smiles has been trusted by Howard County residents for over 35 years—find out why today. From our welcoming, comfortable office to our friendly and experienced hygienists and dentists, every aspect of our practice has been designed with our patients’ needs in mind. Schedule an appointment by reaching out to our team at 410.690.4855 or by connecting with us online today.
