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People usually receive dental care from an Abbotsford dentist when they are in pain. It is difficult to withstand the throbbing discomfort of a toothache. However, preventive dental services should be received on a regular basis to prevent the need for restorative care. People who have cavities filled or root canals performed could avoid the dental damage that necessitated the restorative oral care by caring for their teeth properly. In addition to professional preventive services, Abbotsford dentists suggest preventive care that can be performed at home. What are Some of the Preventive Procedures that Can Be Performed at Home? Dental patients should collaborate with their Abbotsford dentist to ensure that their teeth and gums remain healthy. Routine brushing and flossing is important. Most dentists suggest that patients brush their teeth at least two times each day. In addition, they should floss at least once daily. The brushing and flossing remove dental plaque that accumulates on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms when food particles and bacteria combine in the mouth. Dental plaque adheres to the surface of teeth and promotes tooth decay. As the bacteria in the plaque consumes food, they excrete acid as a byproduct of their digestive process. The acid, in turn, erodes enamel. Thus, cavities form. If plaque is permitted to remain on the teeth for periods greater than 24 hours, it begins to harden. The hardened plaque is called tartar. Tartar does not have the sticky consistency of plaque. Instead, it is stony. It adheres to teeth so firmly that it cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. A professional dental cleaning session is required. Nevertheless, Abbotsford dentists are able to clean teeth quickly and effectively without much patient discomfort. If tartar is not removed regularly, tooth decay may result. The surface of tartar is not smooth. It contains many ridges in which bacteria can hide. Thus, the plaque on a tooth that is covered with tartar is not easily brushed away. The bristles of a toothbrush may not reach inside the crevices of the tartar. How Do Abbotsford Dentists Clean Teeth? Dentists in Abbotsford clean teeth with a special scraping tool designed to safely remove tartar. The tool has a pointed edge to facilitated cleaning between teeth. However, the tool is not excessively sharp. Thus, damage to sensitive gum tissue may be avoided. How Often Should Teeth Be Cleaned? Dental patients should have their teeth cleaned at least two times each year. Cleanings that are regularly performed prevent the unnecessary buildup of tartar. If a patient skips a scheduled cleaning appointment, he should reschedule as soon as possible. Once a cleaning is complete, the dentist usually polishes the surface of the teeth. He may also floss the teeth to ensure that the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. If the dentist notices rough spots on the teeth after the cleaning is complete, he may choose to clean those areas again. The roughness could indicate that tartar is still present. Is the Benefit of a Dental Cleaning Purely Preventive? Dental cleanings certainly assist the prevention of tooth decay. However, they also promote the healthy appearance of teeth. Tartar is yellow. Therefore, teeth that are covered in tartar appear less white. Cleanings help keep the tooth enamel of the dental patient clean and white. What Other Preventive Services Are Offered by Abbotsford Dentists? In addition to dental cleanings, dentists offer sealants to discourage tooth decay. The sealants are usually applied to the molars. It may be difficult for young dental patients to clean their back teeth properly. Thus, cavities are more likely to form. Sealants offer a barrier that protects the teeth from decay.
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