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When Was the Last Time You Had Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

Have you been meaning to schedule a checkup and teeth cleaning appointment with your Shelby, NC, dentist, Dr. Joseph Hendrick, but just haven't found the time? Scheduling a cleaning is a simple way to decrease your risk of cavities and gum disease.

How cleanings help you keep your smile healthy

You've probably noticed that your teeth feel a little sticky or rough when you first wake up in the morning. That sticky sensation occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a clear, bacteria-laden film that constantly coats your teeth.

The bacteria in plaque mixes with the sugar in foods to create acids that attack your tooth enamel. The acids weaken the enamel and can eventually cause cavities.

Cavities aren't the only consequence of plaque buildup. Plaque can turn into tartar in as few as 10 days. Tartar is a hard deposit that looks gray or brown on your teeth. Unfortunately, tartar can't be removed with a toothbrush or floss. Both plaque and tartar can be factors in tooth decay and gum disease.

When you visit the Shelby dental office for a checkup or cleaning, the dental hygienist will:

  • Remove every trace of plaque: Your dental hygienist cleans away plaque and pays particular attention to places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss. Regular cleanings, in addition to good oral hygiene, will help you lower your tooth decay risk.
  • Eliminate tartar: No matter how carefully you brush and floss, you're bound to have a little tartar buildup. Visiting the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning will ensure that tartar is removed before it can begin to irritate your gums and cause gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Your hygienist uses a special tool that removes tartar without damaging your tooth enamel.
  • Polish your teeth: Polishing your teeth at the end of the cleaning removes minor surface stains that can dull your teeth and leaves them feeling sparkling clean.

Your appointment will also include a checkup with the dentist. In addition to looking for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, he'll also perform an oral cancer screening.

Protect your smile with regular checkups and cleanings! Call your dentist in Shelby, NC, Dr. Joseph Hendrick, at (704) 484-0077 or (704) 482-8336 to schedule your appointment.

Dentist in Shelby, NC
Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS,
PA
511 N. Morgan Street
Shelby, NC 28150
Phone: (704) 484-0077
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