Tooth cleaning
The dentist uses a scaler to get rid of plaque and tartar from your teeth around your gum line, as well as in between your teeth. You’ll hear scraping, but this is normal. The more tartar there is in your mouth, the more time they’ll need to scrape a particular spot.
Brushing and flossing stops plaque from building up and hardening into tartar. Once you have tartar, you can only have it removed at your dentist’s office
How teeth cleaning is done?
Using a small hooked tool called a scaler, the dentist removes any plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, near the gum line and in between the teeth. Depending on how much build up is present, either a manual or ultrasonic scaler is used.
How often do I need cleaning
General guidelines state that patients should make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning every six months. While this is ideal for most people, few need to come in every three months and others who maintain good oral hygiene will only need to come in once a year.
Does cleaning damage my teeth
Dental cleanings do not damage the enamel on your teeth! Cleanings safely remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and under the gums. If teeth are not cleaned regularly inflammation can occur, and this can lead to gum disease
Dental Plaque
A sticky film that coats teeth and contains bacteria.
If dental plaque isn't removed when it's soft, it hardens and becomes difficult to remove. Dental plaque can damage a tooth and lead to tooth decay or tooth loss.
Calculus / Tartar
Calculus or tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque. It is caused by precipitation of minerals from saliva.
Calculus formation is associated with a number of clinical manifestations, including bad breath, receding gums and chronically inflamed gums.
Brushing and flossing can remove plaque from which calculus forms; however, once formed, it is too hard and firmly attached to be removed with a toothbrush. Your dentist can remove Calculus buildup with professional cleaning .
