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Spring is here, and it’s not just a perfect time for cleaning your home — it’s also a great time for scheduling your first teeth cleaning of the year. According to the dentists at Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, you should plan to have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year. This will help you keep your teeth free of plaque and tartar buildup, which could lead to unwanted dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

Below are just a few reasons why teeth cleanings are so important:

1. Prevent Cavities & Tooth Decay

teeth cleaningA soft, sticky biofilm known as plaque naturally forms on your teeth and gums, and it is made up of millions of bacteria. When you eat foods containing sugars, these sugars combine with the bacteria in plaque to create an acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth. Over time, these acids can erode your tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities. However, keeping your mouth clear of plaque by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly will help to prevent this problem.

2. Avoid Gum Disease

Similar to tooth decay, gum disease — an infection of the structures around the teeth — is caused by long-standing plaque and tartar buildup. It can range from mild gingivitis, which causes red and inflamed gums, to more severe periodontitis that can cause the bone of the teeth to break down and lead to tooth loss. Scheduling regular teeth cleanings is the best method for averting this dental disease. Your dentist is able to catch plaque you might miss while brushing, and their techniques are the only ones strong enough to actually remove any tartar development.

3. Catch Dental Issues Early

Visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to prevent any serious dental issues, including the ones listed above. Even those who practice good oral hygiene at home are still susceptible to decay and infections by other means. For instance, those with naturally deep tooth crevices are vulnerable to plaque growth because it can be easily missed by a toothbrush, and anyone with a dry mouth condition is more likely to develop tooth decay due to the lack of saliva to wash away bacteria. Teeth cleanings are the perfect way for your dentist to catch these issues and others before they spiral into something harmful and require a costly procedure to correct.

If it’s been at least six months since your last teeth cleaning, contact the dentists at Family First Dentistry today. Schedule your appointment by calling (907) 562-2820. You can also visit their website to learn about their other dental services, including same-day crowns and teeth whitening treatments. The dental team is also Facebook and Twitter.

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