Before we get into dental cleaning, which is a procedure that is performed by specialized, qualified, dental hygienists, let’s quickly recap on preventative measures to undertake before it becomes necessary to go to a specialist for a proper dental cleaning.
People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and flossing. However, over time dental plaque builds up between the teeth, and this dental plaque can harden into tartar which is virtually impossible to remove with ordinary brushing and flossing. Remember, there are always corners and crevices where regular brushing and flossing don’t quite reach well enough.
This is where dental cleaning comes in. It is a procedure performed by professionals, using special tools and techniques, which go a long way to preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease. These gum diseases can result in you losing teeth unnecessarily, and can even require surgical procedures to correct.
OK! Let’s Recap:-
Regular Visits to your Dentist: This will ensure that problems are picked up as soon as possible and dealt with by a qualified dentist in Richmond, BC.
Regular Brushing and Flossing There is no better way to prevent tooth and gum decay, than by regular brushing and flossing, A suitable toothbrush is essential and brushing must be done twice a day at the very least. Flossing cleans right down to the gum in really inaccessible places if done properly.
Build Up Strong Teeth Make sure you are supplementing your diet with the nutrients and supplements necessary for good dental health. Fluoride has been found to harden the tooth enamel (just don’t swallow it) and Vitamin D has also been found to help in maintaining adequate dental health by fighting bacteria.
Now that I have given you a few pointers on what YOU can do to prevent plaque build up, what is dental cleaning?
Dental cleaning, known as prophylaxis, which literally means a preventative treatment of a disease, is a technique for the removal of mineralised plaque, or tartar that will develop, even if you follow a very rigorous regimen of brushing and flossing.
This mineralised plaque normally builds up in very inaccessible places, which are difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing. Dental cleaning will use methods like tooth scaling and tooth polishing, and if too much tartar has built up, debridement, which is done using ultrasonic instruments and possibly the application of a saline solution, as well as various tools such as periodontal scalers and curettes, to loosen and remove plaque build up.
Most dental professionals suggest that you have your teeth cleaned professionally every six months. If, however, you have a dental disorder, like gingivitis, it might take more frequent examination and cleaning until the condition has been effectively dealt with.
Be careful, however, as overzealous or incorrect brushing and flossing techniques, might cause sore gums, damage to the tooth enamel and bleeding gums. Regular visits to your dental hygienist will quickly identify these problems and he or she will be able to suggest the appropriate action.