Dr. Ostad, D.D.S.
Prevention
- Cleanings |
- Exams & X-Rays |
- Flouride Treatment |
- Home Care |
- Sealants
Professional Dental Cleaning
Why You Need Dental Cleaning:
After a meal, the remnants of the food you consumed dissolve in your saliva and it settles on the surface of your teeth. This sticky film of bacteria is called plaque. Following your meal or snack, the bacteria release acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in cavities.
Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Brushing and cleaning between teeth become more difficult when tartar collects above the gum line. The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed, resulting in gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease.
Professional Dental Cleaning is Suggested Every Six Months
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Professional dental cleanings are performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment includes a dental exam and the following:
- Plaque Removal: Essential for healthy oral hygiene and plaque can only be removed with specialized dental instruments.
- Tartar Removal (Calculus): Tartar also can only be removed with special dental instruments. If tartar is not removed, the inflammation can spread on the bone substance surrounding the tooth and the consequence can be the loosening or the loss of the teeth.
- Teeth Polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and normal daily care.
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Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.