Cleaning and prevention are two crucial parts of maintaining a beautiful smile. Cleaning gets rid of any plaque buildup or bacteria in your mouth. Prevention is anything you do to keep your teeth healthy and prevent decay or disease. At Dr. Rice Area Dental, in addition to removing plaque, the regular dental cleanings we perform enable our dentist to periodically check your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. 

Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings are essential to your preventative care routine and protect your teeth from decay and gum disease. These cleanings help remove plaque buildup from the surfaces of your teeth and the spaces in between your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease if not removed through regular brushing and flossing.

During these visits, our dentist or dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler. This tool vibrates at an incredibly high speed to help loosen and remove stubborn plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and gums. They’ll also use special hand tools to clean between teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will ensure you’re comfortable and not in pain throughout this process.

You can prevent tooth decay and gum disease by getting these cleanings twice a year. 

Prevention

Dental care is not just about fixing cavities and repairing damaged teeth. Preventive dental care is integral to maintaining a healthy smile, and we recommend it for patients of all ages. We encourage our patients to visit our dentist for a comprehensive preventive exam and cleaning every six months so that we can stay ahead of any oral health issues that may arise between appointments. We conduct a thorough examination for issues like tooth decay or gum disease during routine checkups. If we notice a problem, we can treat it right away. 

The Benefits Of Preventive Dental Treatment

Preventing Severe Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is an infection that develops when food particles are trapped between teeth. The bacteria in these particles produce acids that break down tooth enamel and cause cavities. During routine cleanings, your dentist will remove plaque buildup on your teeth to prevent it from turning into tartar, a hard substance that can lead to advanced stages of tooth decay.

Reducing Your Risk Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe condition that affects your gums, supporting bone structure and connective tissues. Over time, periodontitis causes gum recession, loose teeth, and severe oral health issues. However, this condition can often be prevented through effective oral hygiene and professional cleanings. Your dentist will clean off any plaque or tartar to thoroughly remove harmful bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth.

Professional cleanings should be scheduled at least once every six months. In addition to regular dental cleanings, you should also practice good oral hygiene daily. For the best dental care, visit Dr. Rice Area Dental at 3712 Canyon Lake Dr., Rapid City, SD 57702, or call (605) 342-3939.