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The Frequency of Teeth Cleaning

There is much debate as to what the proper frequency of teeth cleaning really is. In general, most people think they should visit their dentist once every six months for a check-up that includes professional teeth cleaning. However, this is not true for every single patient. Those who have gum disease need to visit their dentist for an examination and teeth cleaning at least once every three months.

Furthermore, those who are diagnosed with tooth decay, those who smoke and those who have other oral health issues will find professional teeth cleanings every three to four months are necessary.

Why Teeth Cleaning is Important

Teeth gradually accumulate plaque and tartar. This formation of plaque and tartar even occurs on the teeth of those who brush and floss every single day. It also occurs on the teeth of people who eat a vegan diet, the teeth of smokers and the teeth of those with perfectly healthy gums.

Thus, this is precisely why everyone needs teeth cleanings at least once every six months at a bare minimum. Such regular visits will help prevent the heavy buildup of tartar and plaque.

A DIY (do it yourself) Approach to Teeth Cleaning Will Not Suffice

The regular use of toothpaste and floss will only do so much to keep teeth clean. We must professionally clean teeth with the specialized oral healthcare tools available at our office. These tools are the sole means of cleaning plaque and tartar off teeth and reducing the odds of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health ailments.

Tartar and plaque usually form within the mouth at a different rate for each patient. In some instances, it takes merely a couple of weeks for tartar to form on teeth, even after undergoing a thorough professional teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning eliminates most of the bacteria that causes the formation of plaque. Yet the unsavory truth is it takes a mere 48 hours for such bacteria to begin re-colonizing in a patient’s mouth. Plaque reformation will likely occur before six months pass.

The problem with leaving plaque in place is that it can calcify onto the teeth. If calcification occurs, a professional teeth cleaning with special tools and a precise approach is necessary. There is no other way to remove the calcified plaque from teeth. This is why those who truly care about their oral health prefer to receive a teeth cleaning every three to six months. When in doubt, lean toward the side of a teeth cleaning on a regular basis, just to make sure the plaque and tartar on your teeth are eliminated before it has the chance to calcify.

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Teeth whitening is one of those conveniences that have become an integral part of how people improve their appearance today. It was not always so convenient or so easy to get your teeth whitening done. Today, you have the choice of going to see us and having your teeth whitening done by us in the office, or buying a solution from the local pharmacy and doing it yourself. Regardless of what method you chose, it has never been easier or as inexpensive to get your teeth whitened.

An efficient solution

With the number of products that can discolor teeth, it is important to consider teeth whitening as a potential treatment option. Regular beverages such as coffee, tea, soda and wine, all stain teeth. Even with proper oral hygiene and brushing, people still experience teeth staining.

Fortunately, teeth whitening is an easy and efficient process with professional supervision. People who attempt to whiten teeth without professional supervision or services can actually cause more damage to their teeth and increase the chance for other health risks.

Did you know that teeth whitening is actually a chemical process? Most people who whiten their teeth have no idea how the process happens or that the peroxide solution used is designed to make the smallest of changes in your enamel’s natural organic chemical makeup. It is important for you to be aware that when you are whitening your teeth you are not just dyeing the outside of the tooth with a whiter paint, rather you are actually causing the tooth itself, from the inside out, to look whiter with a chemical process known as oxidization.

A chemical process

The peroxide is quickly absorbed into the tooth enamel, where it works to release free radicals that make the tooth more colorless, and hence they appear to be whiter. Our solution is stronger and more effective than what you can purchase from the store so the results that you see will be far more dramatic.

The reason we point this out is that there are many over the counter whitening solutions available, and we would recommend two things if you are going to use one of them. First, we would advise that you consult with us before starting the process regardless of how you are going to be whitening your teeth. Very often, there are minor challenges with your teeth, like a small cavity, for example, that can be exasperated or irritated by the peroxide in the teeth whitening solution.

We can prevent you from feeling discomfort with a simple checkup, and by correcting these issues before they become a problem. Secondly, we recommend that you always follow professional advice as to how frequently you should whiten your teeth. Overly frequent use of teeth whitening products can lead to sensitivity, among other problems.

The post The Reason for Teeth Whitening and the Science Behind It appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

More than just a trend

The infatuation with teeth whitening has led to the growth of an extremely lucrative industry across the nation. From cosmetic dentist solutions to over-the-counter toothpaste, teeth whitening continues to grow as a solution many people invest in for a better smile. While some of our patients come in for teeth whitening solutions, others prefer a do-it-yourself regime. In either eventuality, we strive to keep our patients educated.

First, it is important to understand the process of how teeth whitening works. The peroxide-based solution we use to whiten teeth dissolves into the tooth, where it releases free radicals. These free radicals work to make the tooth more translucent. The more translucent a tooth, the whiter it looks. However, food and other substances work to stain the tooth by covering up the translucency. We are constantly reminding our patients that what one eats and the amount of oral hygiene play a pivotal role in how long the teeth whitening remains effective.

Most people are aware that they need to take care of their teeth and will not do things like smoking. On the other hand, many people do not realize that normally healthy foods, such as raspberries, can actually cause discoloration in teeth. We can help patients take preventative measures and keep brighter teeth.

Preventing teeth from fading

There are many ways common habits can spoil the effects of teeth whitening. All foods have a pH level. The lower the pH level, the more acidic the substance and the more likely it is to adversely affect one’s teeth. The problem is that the teeth will constantly be in contact with the harmful kinds of substances since we all need to eat. An easy way to help prevent this is to brush 30 minutes or so after eating. By doing so, any excessive bacterial acid can be washed away before it influences the enamel.

This can be particularly challenging for people who like to snack regularly. Snacking is one of the most damaging habits people have when it comes to darkening the shade of their teeth. Regardless of the type of snack, all food contains natural or added coloring, which works to color the teeth. Few people think it is necessary to brush their teeth, or at least rinse, after a snack, and this is what causes discoloration.

For more information, give us a call to schedule an appointment and decide if teeth whitening is right for you.

Teeth Whitening

At L.A. Dental Arts, we provide teeth whitening solutions for patients throughout the Chatsworth, CA area. We deliver dramatic results, and your teeth can become up to eight shades whiter in one treatment.

Teeth Whitening

L.A. Dental Arts

At L.A. Dental Arts in Chatsworth, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional staff aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.

Our staff seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At L.A. Dental Arts, your dental health is our prime concern.

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