Prevention is one of the best ways you can maintain your health, and that's especially true when it comes to your teeth. Visiting your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning is necessary for good oral health, and if you're in the Milwaukee area, this is your reminder from The Dentists South Shore. If you can't remember the last time you had your teeth cleaned, this is definitely an article you need to read!
Tainted teeth
Teeth that need professional cleaning definitely show signs of distress. Many people report a "fuzzy" feeling on the surface of their teeth; this is from the accumulation of plaque, a film made up of bacteria reacting to sugar and other carbohydrates. This film builds up over a short period of time, which is why it's so important to brush at least twice a day. If plaque isn't cleaned regularly, it hardens into calculus, or tartar, which is white in color and chalky in texture and needs special tools to remove.
Aggravated gums
As tartar builds up, your gum tissue responds as well. You may find that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, or they look red in color or swollen around the margins of your teeth. The constant presence of bacteria irritates the gums, leading to the gum disease known as gingivitis. Without a thorough cleaning from your Milwaukee dentist, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is associated with tooth loss, infection, and even heart disease. If you think you might have gum disease, even if it's mild, quick intervention is needed.
To schedule a checkup at The Dentists South Shore in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, contact us for an appointment with one of our team of dental professionals.
Call our Howell Avenue office number at (414) 877-0840, and our Layton Avenue location at (414) 483-1600. We look forward to hearing from you!