How plaque and tartar affect the health of the smile

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As part of aging, many patients believe that tooth loss is commonplace over time. However, this is not the case! Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and with proper steps in keeping the smile healthy and free from plaque, tartar, and disease, most patients will be able to avoid the need for tooth replacement options down the road, including dentures. By knowing how plaque and tartar affect the health of the smile, many patients in the area of Minot, ND can maintain better oral health and wellness for life!

What is plaque and tartar?

Plaque is a film that can develop on the teeth and along the gum line after eating and drinking without proper brushing and flossing. It contains bacteria that can contribute to the development of cavities as well as gum disease, or “periodontal disease.” Additionally, if not brushed off of the teeth, it can harden over time and calcify. This calcification attaches to the enamel of the teeth and can only be addressed with the help of a dental professional.

What can be done for treating plaque and tartar?

First and foremost, patients are encouraged to schedule a visit to their dentist’s office. During this visit, the dental hygienist can remove as much plaque and tartar as possible to clean all the surfaces of the teeth. Our professionals will also evaluate the smile to look for cavities or indications of periodontal disease. Once the cleaning has been performed, Drs. Stanley Hirst or Bethany Jensen will evaluate the patient’s oral health and make recommendations regarding home care. This often includes brushing and flossing after every meal to keep plaque and tartar from recurring. Visiting the dentist every six month for a cleaning and evaluation also assists patients in maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile for life!

Call Broadway Family Dentistry today!

Minot, ND area patients who want to achieve healthier smiles are encouraged to book a consultation appointment with Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Broadway Family Dentistry. Our facility is located at 1839 South Broadway Street and is always accepting new patients and families seeking comprehensive care. Call (701) 839-1299 to request a visit.

Commonly Misunderstood Dental Facts

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There are so many untrue ideas about teeth floating around, and we don’t know where they came from. They can occur when people don’t ask questions at the dentist, and make assumptions about what’s going on instead of truly understanding. Other times these ideas can come from other people, blog articles, or even Hollywood movies (which take liberties to make the story more dramatic or interesting). Regardless, it’s time to clear up some misconceptions about teeth.

Baby Teeth Don’t Need To Be Brushed

This is completely not true. Setting your child up with proper dental hygiene and habits before they get their adult teeth is important to future health. Understanding how to keep their teeth healthy is key to your children being able to establish good habits by the time their adult teeth come in. Also, it may be harder for you teach your child quickly enough when they have their adult teeth, which is just going to make it harder to maintain a good routine.

Sugar is Sugar

With Easter in the near past and summery treats upon us, we do have to stress that sugar isn’t good for your teeth. It never will be. So, the less sugar you can eat, the healthier your teeth will have a chance to be. Granted, you still may have some bad intel regarding sugar and cavities.

When you reach for that sugary cookie at a BBQ, think twice about how you’re eating it. That’s right, HOW. When you consume sugar, the bacteria in your mouth take about 20 seconds to convert that sugar to acid, which then stays in your mouth for about 30 minutes. Think about the time the acid stays on the surface of your teeth when snacking. Eating that cookie all at once is actually better for your teeth than a few bites spread out over a few hours. But remember, less sugar will always be better for your teeth.

Sensitive Teeth Mean Cavities

Sensitivities can sometimes indicate cavities or broken teeth, but the chances are good that it could be something else that’s much more harmless. You may just have a sensitivity that requires some sensitive toothpaste and nothing more.

Interested in learning more about teeth, or looking to schedule a visit? Call us today at (701) 839-1299 to schedule an appointment.