Dental Cleaning – Why, When and How
Why do I need dental cleaning?
There are many heart, lung and other diseases that you are at an increased risk of developing if you oral health isn’t up to snuff! In addition, professional dental cleanings & checkups help reduce tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and more severe tooth problems.
Dental cleaning care (dental prophylaxis) is usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists but may also be performed by a dentist. Your preventative hygiene care usually includes:
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.
- Removal of bacteria & toxins from above and/or below the gum line. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage in periodontal disease. Home tooth brushing can not remove bacteria and toxins below the gumline.
- Removal of tartar: Calculus (tartar) is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments called scalers. Home brushing can not remove this hardened formation.
- Polishing: Removes stain formed on the teeth by such things as nicotine, wine, coffee or tea.
There are several types of dental cleanings depending on your oral condition. Your hygienist or dentist can tell you which is best or you once a complete oral examination is done for you.
It’s not “just a cleaning”! It’s part of your overall healthcare, and the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.
At Bowmanville Dental, our friendly, caring team is here to help keep your whole body healthy, starting with your mouth! During your dental checkup and tooth cleaning appointment, we will remove bacteria and plaque from above and below the gum line, and areas your floss or toothbrush at home can not reach.