Dental Cleanings in Clayton, NC
At Clayton Smiles, our amazing group of licensed dental hygienists loves helping our patients learn how to care for their teeth and gums. Routine dental cleanings every six months allow them to remove harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth and to provide oral hygiene tips and instructions.
During these routine appointments, our hygienists will:
- Explain proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Review areas where you can improve your brushing and flossing technique
- Recommend toothpaste or mouth rinses that fit your needs
- Discuss dietary habits that affect your oral health
If you are due for your next teeth cleaning, call our Clayton dental office to schedule an appointment.
The Dangers of Periodontal Disease in Clayton, NC
The Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 50 percent of US adults have gum or periodontal disease. If gum disease is allowed to develop, it can rapidly progress and eventually lead to tooth loss. Patients who have heart disease or diabetes are at particular risk, and untreated gum disease also adversely affects their overall health and wellness.
Numerous studies and research have proven that the mouth is indeed the window to the body. What happens in your mouth affects other systems of your body, and gum disease, in particular, puts your oral health and overall health and wellness in jeopardy.
Gum disease has been definitively linked to heart, lung, and liver disease, diabetes, dementia, stroke, and certain cancers.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
When bacteria-filled plaque and tartar attach to your teeth below the gumline, it can cause an inflammation of surrounding tissue. The periodontal infection that results from these bacteria eventually leads to gum recession, loss of the supportive tissue of your teeth, and bone resorption.
One reason periodontal disease is so widespread is that it can progress with few signs or symptoms. Because there are so few obvious signs, the first that many patients learn they have gum disease is with a dental examination.
How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?
Our recommendation for treating gum disease depends on how severe and advanced it is. Early gum disease called gingivitis is reversible when we catch it soon enough and involves a thorough routine dental cleaning.
If your hygienist finds advanced gum disease called periodontitis, the common treatment is a specialized deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This type of cleaning is needed to remove plaque and tartar below your gums.
Schedule Your Next Dental Hygiene Appointment in Clayton, NC
Treating gum disease as promptly as possible and maintaining a healthy smile is crucial to avoid dental problems like gum recession and tooth loss. And keeping your mouth free of chronic infections also helps keep your body healthy.
If your family is due for their next exam and teeth cleaning, please call our Clayton, NC dental office to arrange a convenient appointment.
