Teeth Cleaning
Regular dental visits are very important because they keep your teeth and gums healthy. Only a dental professional can remove plaque build-up from those hard-to-reach places that regular brushing and flossing can’t get.
Everyone has plaque. It’s the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and multiplies deep below the gum line. When you eat or drink, some of the particles get stuck on and around your teeth. If you don’t remove them, the bacteria in your mouth will break down the particles into acids, and those acids will eat away at the enamel and cause tooth decay.
Plaque not only causes cavities, it also causes periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Call Coast Dental Gladiolus today at (239) 466-9454 to schedule a teeth cleaning in Fort Myers.
Teeth Cleanings and Gum Therapy
Many people who come in to our dental office in Fort Myers think of a teeth cleaning as just the polishing of the tooth enamel above the gum line. But problem-causing plaque often exists below the gum line, too. If the bacteria is not removed, it can destroy the bone supporting your teeth, causing the teeth to loosen and fall out.
The type and frequency of the type of teeth cleaning and dental care you need depends on your dentist’s diagnosis.
- Prophy: Patients who just need to have their teeth cleaned above the gum line to remove plaque, calculus and surface stains receive a prophylaxis teeth cleaning – the kind that most insurance companies cover. This type of treatment does not address periodontal (gum) conditions.
- Gingivitis Therapy: Patients diagnosed with gingivitis, a reversible form of gum disease, may need additional services to remove plaque build-up on the teeth and just below the gum line.
- Scaling & Root Planing (SRP): Patients diagnosed with active periodontal (gum) disease require treatment above and below the gum line to treat the infection. These patients typically receive SRP, a non-surgical treatment that removes bacteria and smooths out exposed root surfaces. Our dentist or hygienist at Coast Dental Gladiolus may also apply an antibiotic to treat the infection-causing bacteria.
- Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is a systemic disease like diabetes that requires careful monitoring. Our dentist in Fort Myers may prescribe a periodontal maintenance routine to provide dental cleanings above and below the gum line to help manage the disease and keep it from becoming worse.
Learn more about periodontal disease
Regular teeth cleanings at our dentist office in Fort Myers combined with good oral hygiene habits at home can prevent dental decay, bad breath, gum disease, and help your overall health. Researchers have found regular teeth cleanings can lower your risk for some diseases like heart disease and stroke. Call Coast Dental Gladiolus today at (239) 466-9454 to schedule a teeth cleaning and restore your smile.
