Stop Tartar in Its Tracks

Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly growing in our mouths. This sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and gum line can harden into tartar if not removed by practicing proper oral hygiene. Not only can tartar threaten the health of your teeth and gums, it is also a cosmetic problem. Once tartar hardens and builds up on your teeth, only our doctors at Maiden Lane Dental can remove it.

Proper brushing, especially with American Dental Association (ADA) approved tartar control toothpaste, and flossing is necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. The top three ways to prevent tartar in addition to plaque, is to brush thoroughly at least twice a day for two minutes, floss daily, and schedule at least, two regular dental visits for professional cleanings and dental examinations each year.

If you have tartar buildup, it is time to schedule a dental checkup. If you have questions about the services we provide, give us a call or visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Plaque and Tartar

You know that brushing and flossing your teeth is important for removing plaque. But do you know exactly what plaque is and why it needs to be removed? Maiden Lane Dental of New York, NY wants to inform our patients about plaque and tartar so our patients understand the importance of removing it.

Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that form on your teeth and sticks there. It forms just hours after brushing and flossing, which is why it is important to brush two or three times per day, especially before bed. This is also why it is important that you floss every day.

When plaque is not removed, it can start to weaken the enamel on your teeth. Weakened enamel forms cavities. Decayed teeth can lead to gum disease and infections, which are a lot tougher to deal with. Plaque can also turn to tartar, a hardened form which can only be removed by a dentist. Plaque and tartar together irritate gums and if left untreated, can cause the gums to recede. Receded gums form deep pockets that collect bacteria; making clearing up the infection more difficult.

To keep plaque and tartar away, brush once in the morning and once at night. If you can, fit in a third time in the middle of the day. Also be sure to floss every day. To schedule a cleaning with Maiden Lane Dental in our New York, NY office, call us at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com. 

A Healthy Smile is a Beautiful Smile with Dr. Lloyd Becker

Regular checkups and dental cleanings are a part of any good oral hygiene routine, and at Maiden Lane Dental, we provide dental care services of the highest quality to ensure that our patients’ smiles stay healthy year after year.

Plaque is a soft and sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth despite regular brushing and flossing. Because teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, which contains calcium and other substances to strengthen and protect teeth, tartar or calcium deposits can also build up over time. Dental cleanings work to remove both plaque and tartar from the teeth. If it is not removed and is allowed to accumulate, bacteria will be provided a perfect environment and thrive on the gums and teeth, which can cause cavities, infection and gum disease.

While good for maintaining oral health between dentist visits, at-home brushing and cleaning are not enough to make sure teeth stay clean; regular dental cleanings are required. At our office, we can clean and polish your teeth, leaving the surface clean and smooth. The smoother the teeth, the more difficult it is for bacteria to stick to them and the more effective at-home brushing will be.

We recommend checkups and dental cleanings every six months for optimum oral health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lloyd Becker in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585. For more information, visit www.maidenlanedental.com.