Do You Need a Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Like other aspects of your health, your teeth need regular checkups to make sure that everything is functioning properly. Having a smileprofessional cleaning twice a year not only detects any cavities or other problems but it also keeps your teeth feeling clean and looking great. If it's been a while since you've visited Dr. Bernard Pak and his team here at Kirkland Smiles Dental Care in Kirkland, WA, here are two surefire ways to know that it's time to make an appointment:

 

That "fuzzy" feeling

Many people who are in need of a dental cleaning often describe a hairy or fuzzy feeling when they run their tongue across their teeth. This is due to a filmy layer of plaque that has accumulated on the surface of the teeth. Plaque is an acidic substance that is a combination of the starches from foods (i.e. sugars and other carbohydrates) and the bacteria that lives inside your mouth. Although brushing does help remove the progression of this film, it doesn't take much time at all—just 24 to 48 hours—for plaque to harden into tartar, a substance that has to be removed at your Kirkland dentist's office. Normal brushing and flossing aren't effective for removing tartar.

 

Red alert

If it's been too long since your last visit to the dentist, you may have noticed some blood mixed in with your toothpaste after you brush. Although this can be the result of a stiff toothbrush or too-vigorous scrubbing, it's often because tartar has built upon the teeth and has begun to affect the gum tissue as well. Due to how this white, chalky substance is laden with bacteria, the gums respond by becoming inflamed and swollen, leading them to bleed with even the smallest amount of pressure. Fortunately, a deep cleaning can often remove the tartar and allow your gums to heal!

 

Concerned? Give us a call

To schedule a cleaning with Dr. Bernard Pak, your dentist in Kirkland, WA, contact Kirkland Smiles Dental Care at (425) 893-9500 today.

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Kirkland Smiles Dental Care

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Open 1 to 2 Friday's per Month

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed