Why You Need Your Teeth Cleaned Twice a Year

Would you like to lower your risk of cavities and gum disease? Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your Leesburg, VA, dentist, Dr. Tammy Knapp Heisey twice a year for checkups and cleanings will help you protect your oral health.

What dental cleanings do for your smile

Your teeth are constantly under attack from plaque, a sticky biofilm that plays a role in both cavities and tooth decay. Although you can't see plaque, you've felt it if you ever noticed that your teeth felt furry or rough.

A chemical reaction occurs when you eat sugary foods or foods high in carbohydrates when you have plaque on your teeth. (High-carb foods break down into sugars when you chew foods.) The combination of sugar and bacteria in the plaque triggers the production of acids that can eat through your enamel and cause cavities.

As if the plaque wasn't bad enough, the sticky substance turns into tartar in as little as 10 days. Tartar, a brownish deposit that can't be removed by flossing or brushing, irritates and inflames your gums. The presence of both plaque and tartar may increase your risk of gum disease.

Dental cleanings at the Leesburg dental office these benefits:

• Lower Cavity and Gum Disease Risk: Regular teeth cleanings offer an easy way to reduce your gum disease and cavity risk. Your dental hygienist uses special tools that remove plaque and tartar without damaging your tooth enamel.
  
  
• A Sparkling Smile: Polishing, the final step in your cleaning, gets rid of minor surface stains, enhancing the appearance of your smile. Cleaning also removes trapped food particles that can cause bad breath.
  
  
• Brushing and Flossing Recommendations: If you've been missing a few spots when you brush and floss, you'll receive suggestions that will help you improve your oral hygiene.
  
  
• Early Identification of Dental Issues: You'll spend a little time with the dentist during your cleaning appointment. She'll examine your teeth and mouth, perform an oral cancer screening, and review your X-rays if any were taken during the visit. Regular exams help you ensure that minor dental issues are spotted and treated before they can become major problems.
  
  

Is it time for your next checkup? Call your dentist in Leesburg, VA, Dr. Tammy Knapp Heisey, at (703) 777-3150 to schedule your appointment.