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Preventing tooth and gum problems is the goal of our Madison Square dentist Dr. Harvey Katz, DDS. While our practice provides the full range of high quality general, cosmetic and restoration dental services our doctor recommends that all of our patients join our preventative program that entails diligent daily home care in the form of brushing and flossing as well as regular checkups and cleanings in our office.
Our Madison Square dentist recommends that our patients come into the office for a professional dental cleaning twice a year. During the cleaning our hygienist will scrape the debris, plaque and tartar from around and between the teeth, as well as away from the areas between the teeth and gums or in any of the pockets that have formed on the gums near the base of the teeth. Once all the plaque and tartar have been cleared away our hygienist will polish the teeth so they look their best. It is extremely difficult to get rid of plague and tartar at home with regular brushing once it has formed on the teeth or gums, which is why the semi-annual cleaning is so important. Plague and tartar on the teeth begin to decay the teeth, creating holes on the surface, which allows bacteria to get in and infect the roots. A decaying tooth will need either a restoration or if left to decay replacing.
Plaque and tartar on the gums will allow bacteria to begin to pull the gum away from the tooth, which is gum disease or gingivitis. The more bacteria infects the gums the more they detach from the teeth forming deep pockets between the tooth and gum. Bacteria in these pockets furthers the development of the disease and may begin to affect the bone. Severe gum disease can cause the tooth to become unstable and be lost and may even cause bone loss. Our Madison Square dentist must then perform periodontal procedures on the diseased gum tissue to clean the bacteria out and restore the attachment between tooth and gums. Call our office for an appointment to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
By the Office of Harvey Katz, DDS & Jason Katz, DDS
September 30, 2016
