The power of prevention: Dental cleanings in Alpharetta, GA

Even if your teeth and gums look and feel fine, it is important to schedule and keep appointments at Bella Hanono Family Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA. These visits are a foundation of preventive dentistry. The “standard” is to schedule dental cleanings and oral exams every six months. These routine check-ups allow for Dr. Hanono to detect problems that remain “hidden,” and are often asymptomatic early into the disease process. So, you may think your teeth and gums are healthy, and have underlying gum disease and tooth decay!

Additionally, bacterial plaque is constantly forming on your mouth. Plaque thrives off starches and sugars in foods and drinks. These substances combine with harmful oral bacteria to produce acids, which progressively eat away at tooth structure. Even with the best hygiene at home, we cannot remove all plaque. Destructive substances can lurk in hard-to-reach spaces. As plaque builds up, it hardens into tartar. Hardened plaque is stubborn; it cannot be removed with a standard toothbrush and floss.

This is where our professional dental hygienists come in. Our professionals are trained in how to use special instruments to comfortably and safely to remove tartar from the teeth and at the gumline. If active disease is present, we may recommend a “deep” clean known as scaling and root planing. Scaling removes tartar from under the gumline, while planing smooths the roots of the teeth. Bacteria tend to accumulate on rough surfaces. The idea is to eradicate bacteria from the pockets that grow between the teeth and gums, and to give your tissues a “clean slate.”

When detected and addressed early, enamel erosion and early-stage inflammation and gum disease can be treated conservatively. Its effects may even be reversed. We may recommend modifications to your cleaning technique. For instance, do you brush after every meal? Do you brush for at least two minutes each time, taking care to cover all sides of the tooth? When you brush, do you ignore the gums, palate, and tongue? These are all areas that can harbor harmful bacteria that promotes decay. Also, do you floss at least once every day? Flossing catches what the brush leaves behind.

Dr. Hanono may also recommend additional preventive products or services, from fluoride treatments to dental sealants. Do not wait for pain and other symptoms to arise. Call us today to schedule your appointment.