Preventive Care for your Oral Health
Regular dental prophylaxis treatment (professional teeth cleaning) not only brightens your smile but can prevent oral health problems. By removing built-up plaque and tartar, your hygienist can prevent or stop gum disease and tooth decay while identifying other potential issues, such as oral cancer.
Hygienists recommend having a professional cleaning done at least every six months, although certain circumstances require the service more regularly.
How do Plaque and Tartar affect my oral health?
Plaque is a bacteria formed by the carbohydrates we eat and drink every day mixing with calcium deposits created by saliva. This bacteria feeds on things like sugary snacks to produce an acid that can lead to tooth decay. When plaque is allowed to grow on the roots of the teeth, it can cause the supporting bone to breakdown.
Because plaque is sticky and hard to see, it is difficult to thoroughly remove by yourself. Plaque that is allowed to remain on and around your teeth can quickly harden and becomes tartar, or calculus. Tartar, which can discolor your smile, makes it even harder to remove new plaque and bacteria. If allowed to form above the gum line, tartar leads to gingivitis. Tartar cannot be removed by normal tooth brushing and must be taken care of with a professional cleaning.
What to expect from your dental cleaning appointment
There are three basic steps for a dental cleaning. Your hygienist will use tools to remove existing plaque and tartar from your teeth. Polishing will leave your teeth feeling and looking clean and smooth. A fluoride application or use of sealants will help to strengthen your tooth enamel to prevent future decay. Patients are also given education and instructions on how to properly care for their oral health.
Standard cleanings begin with the use of an ultrasonic cleaner and water sprayer to loosen the plaque and tartar. It does this with a light vibration created by high-frequency sound waves. The water sprayer keeps the tip cool while flushing away debris and creating tiny bubbles to help dislodge bacteria. Your hygienist will then use hand tools (curettes) to scrape off additional calculus.
Once your teeth are nice and clean, your hygienist will use a gritty toothpaste called prophylaxis paste and a rotary brush to polish them. This creates a smooth surface
After cleaning and polishing your teeth, a fluoride treatment is applied. Fluoride can come in the form of a rinse, gel, foam or varnish. This mineral helps to strengthen the enamel and deflect the acid that leads to decay.that feels good and is less likely to attract plaque while removing light stains from your teeth.
Take caution to avoid sticky foods like gum and caramel with a temporary crown.
The Fornetti Difference – From cleanings to implants, our advanced technologies and highly-trained staff deliver pain-free and stress-free dental solutions, all under one roof!
Call for your appointment today (906) 774-4444
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