You don’t see any plaque on your teeth and your gums look pink. You haven’t had a toothache in years, and everything seems fine with your teeth and gums. Do you really need professional dental cleanings in Chattanooga, TN? The answer lies in what you can’t see!
How Tooth Decay Begins
When you eat or drink something that contains sugar or starch, a chemical chain reaction begins on your teeth. As bacteria and food particles combine with your saliva, an enamel-eroding acid forms. Shortly after, plaque settles on your teeth and around your gums.
If not cleaned off with tooth brushing and flossing, this plaque can turn into a harder material called tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Over time, tartar can cause tiny holes in your teeth, leading to tooth decay and even loss of the tooth.
The good news is that when you get regular dental cleanings and exams, your dentist can remove any plaque and tartar before it leads to tooth decay.
Early Tooth Decay May Not Have Symptoms
Even if you brush and floss your teeth between meals, tooth decay can still occur, depending on your diet and other factors. But if caught early, your dentist can easily treat the cavity with a filling. However, if you wait until you feel pain or sensitivity, or see changes in your teeth, you may need a root canal to remove the tooth’s pulp and save the tooth.
What if You Already Have a Cavity?
Cavities are common! If you do have one, your dentist can find it during your regular dental cleanings and exams. If you have dental cleanings once or twice a year, tooth decay will not have a chance to progress. Your dentist can treat it with a tooth filling to protect it from further damage.
Ready to schedule your dental cleanings in Chattanooga, TN? We would be honored to serve you. Call our office at (423) 855-1400 to schedule an appointment today!