These types of cleanings are done at regular intervals, every 3 or 6 months, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums. Also called “prophies”, these cleanings include thorough removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus), and smoothening and polishing of your teeth.
Dental Hygiene Services
Dental Hygiene Services
Regular Cleanings
Dental plaque…
…is actually a sticky layer of bacteria, food, and saliva that sticks to your teeth and gums. The plaque cannot be simply rinsed, it needs to be actually removed through diligent oral hygiene practices, as well as by your dentist or dental hygienist. If left undisturbed for a longer time, the dental plaque hardens and turns into tartar (calculus), which in turn accumulates more plaque and the “vicious” circle is on. The plaque elicits a response from our own immune system, leading to bone loss and in more severe cases to tooth loss which could require tooth replacement or tooth implant.
Deep cleanings (scaling and root planning)
During our comprehensive exam, measurements of the gums around your teeth are taken. The space between your teeth and the surrounding gum tissue is called the periodontal pocket. Normally, the pockets measure anywhere from one to 3 millimeters and their increase in size is often an indication of a gum (periodontal) disease, or periodontitis. Deep cleanings are performed as first line of treatment of gum disease and it includes through removal of plaque and calculus, as well as polishing and root planning (smoothening of the underlying root surfaces of the affected teeth).
Fluoride treatment
When indicated, fluorides are applied to your teeth, in order to strengthen your teeth and help prevent incidence of tooth decay. This is a painless treatment and is done quickly in office.
Oral hygiene instructions
Brushing and flossing your teeth seems like a no brainer, right? However, we are all different and one size does not fit all when it comes to tools to maintain your gums and teeth healthy. Our dental hygiene team members are trained and skilled in providing you with oral hygiene instructions specific for your own mouth, gum and teeth. Our oral hygiene kits we provide for you are of highest quality, family dentistry designed to help you maintain your teeth and gums on a daily basis.