Teeth Cleaning

A proper cleaning regimen is imperative for good dental health. Brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash are the first step in a healthy mouth, but two professional cleanings a year are just as important.

A board-certified hygienist is extensively trained to clean teeth properly with special dental tools. Professional cleaning is required to remove plaque that even diligent daily brushing can’t remove. Persistent plaque leads to gingivitis, cavities (dental caries), and possibly periodontal disease.

The hygienist starts by scaling the plaque that remains in between teeth and along the gumline. This scaling is the least favorite part of the cleaning, but the time spent on this can be reduced by keeping up with your daily brushing regimen at home.

When the plaque has been removed, the teeth are scrubbed with a special gritty toothpaste. The toothpaste is available in several different yummy flavors (kids like it, too), but it is not something available over the counter. This toothpaste is designed to do a deep scrub of the tooth enamel, but using it more than twice a year would damage the enamel.

This deep scrub is then followed with a thorough flossing and a good rinse to remove anything remaining in the mouth.

After the dentist examines your mouth, you are free to go home with your squeaky clean teeth and a new toothbrush!