At Main Street Dentistry, teeth cleaning and checkups are two of the most important procedures Dr. Roya Levi performs. She encourages all of her patients to schedule annual checkups to help them maintain good oral health. As a part of her practice, Dr. Levi offers mobile and bedside dentistry to ensure patients that can't make it to her office still receive the dental care they need. At Main Street Dentistry, teeth cleaning and checkups are two of the most important procedures Dr. Roya Levi performs. She encourages all of her patients to schedule annual checkups to help them maintain good oral health. As a part of her practice, Dr. Levi offers mobile and bedside dentistry to ensure patients that can't make it to her office still receive the dental care they need.
What causes plaque to build up?
Plaque is the film of bacteria that builds on the surface of the teeth. It starts to collect whenever you eat or drink. The bacteria continues to build, finding its way into the cracks and crevices between the teeth. The longer plaque is allowed to remain on the surface of the teeth, the more bacteria produced. Over time, the plaque begins to harden producing a calcified substance otherwise known as tartar. Tartar is very difficult to remove.
Dr. Levi encourages her patients to have their teeth cleaned regularly to reduce plaque buildup and prevent tartar from forming. Brushing your teeth regularly and scheduling annual cleanings can prevent plaque and tartar from damaging the teeth permanently.
Why are annual dental checkups necessary?
Not only do annual dental checkups reduce plaque and tartar buildup, they allow Dr. Levi to examine the soft tissues of the mouth to ensure there are no other existing oral health concerns. Annual dental checkups allow her to examine teeth for weak spots where potential cavities may appear. She also is able to determine whether the patient needs further instruction on how to properly brush or care for their teeth.
Dr. Levi can uncover potential problems in their earliest stages before any irreparable damage occurs. This allows her to be proactive and offer the patient potential treatment options that work to prevent dental problems in the future.
When should a child have their first teeth cleaning?
Children should start visiting Dr. Levi around one year of age. This allows her to ensure the child's teeth are developing properly and that there are no structural abnormalities needing correction. It also helps to build a positive relationship between the child and Dr. Levi. By exposing the child to the dental office environment at an early age, it allows them to become familiar with what goes on and lets them know they have nothing to fear.
Dr. Levi and her staff can begin to teach the child proper brushing and flossing habits that lasts a lifetime. Establishing these habits at an early age makes them second nature as the child grows.