Tartar
Plaque that isn’t removed from the teeth hardens, becoming tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone.
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take only between 25 and 30 minutes. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planning and polishing.
Why can’t I just brush and floss?
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Many people avoid dental cleanings, mistakenly thinking they aren’t necessary. Others just don’t like going to the dentist, so they put it off. Here are some important questions and answers for dental cleanings.
Common Questions
Is it really a big deal to not get regular cleanings?
A significant percentage of Americans deal with periodontal disease caused by plaque formation. Regular checkups can halt this dangerous progression.
How do I avoid tartar build up?
Careful and thorough brushing, followed by thorough flossing is the best way to prevent tartar build up. But the truth is, tartar build up is almost impossible to avoid forever. Dental help is going to be needed eventually by everyone.
Aren’t cavities largely from what I eat?
Bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay like certain kinds of foods, it is true. Sugary foods like candy, fruit and gum can increase the risk of cavities. There is also sugar in for like crackers and chips, and the bacteria like these foods as well. Be especially careful of foods that stick to your teeth. But we have to eat, and that means the bacteria in our mouth will grow, regardless of how careful we are. This is why flossing and brushing is important. But brushing doesn’t prevent all decay. A more in-depth cleaning with your Bountiful dentist Dr. Geenhalgh can make sure bacteria and decay don’t progress too far.
What is scaling?
This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces in a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has lead to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve best results, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.
“Typically I dislike going to the dentist, but Jennifer and her team are awesome!! They take their time, make sure you’re comfortable.”
-Whitney
