How A Dentist Removes Plaque

Having regular cleanings is an important aspect of your dental services. During these cleanings plaque is removed from your teeth. The removal of plaque during cleanings, as well as the prevention of plaque buildup, is an essential part of a good oral hygiene routine.

Plaque is a sticky film that contains millions of bacteria and builds up on your teeth. If this isn’t removed regularly, the bacteria can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Even the healthiest mouth contains some bacteria. When this bacteria mingles with sugars and proteins from food and drink, it can multiply and turn into plaque. Over time, plaque can harden at the gumline and turn into tartar.

To keep your gums and teeth healthy it’s really important to prevent plaque buildup and keep tartar from developing. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, which is usually indicated by swollen, sensitive, red, or bleeding gums. If left untreated gingivitis can turn into gum disease ,which has many negative health impacts. If you suspect plaque or tartar buildup, or gingivitis, it’s important to seek dental services before the problem worsens.

Plaque is colourless, so can be hard to spot. If you have severe plaque buildup, or plaque turns to tartar, it can look like a white deposit, or even food stuck in your teeth. Plaque buildup is preventable and reversible through a good oral hygiene routine, which include:

• Avoiding sugary or acidic foods

• Brushing at least twice daily

• Flossing daily

• Using antibacterial mouthwash

• Avoiding smoking.

Even if you have an excellent oral hygiene routine, and especially if you don’t, it’s important to visit your dentist for regular cleanings to remove plaque.

Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar with a process called scaling. They’ll use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline. During this procedure you may hear a scraping sound but it shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort. Plaque can be prevented at home with a good oral hygiene routine but once you suspect you have tartar buildup, you must visit your dentist for a scaling to have it removed.

By making cleanings part of your regular dental services you can prevent plaque and tartar buildup, or catch it before it becomes severe. Cleanings are an important part of a good oral hygiene routine and are essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy!

Contact us to schedule a cleaning today!