Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is the best way to get rid of plaque. If it is not completely removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. When this occurs, only a dental professional can remove it.
The role of dental hygienists is to provide therapeutic and preventive care aimed at ensuring optimal oral health. This includes detection, assessment, planning, and prevention to ensure good oral health habits.
After a thorough oral examination, the dental hygienist removes tartar from your teeth with a small, purpose-made metal curette. Once the tartar has been eliminated, the hygienist usually polishes the teeth to clear away any stains visible on the tooth surface using a grainy paste applied to the electric rotary tooth cleaning tool. To also ensure that areas between the teeth have been properly cleaned, the hygienist ends the session with dental floss. The dentist will then perform a complete dental check-up.
Scaling helps prevent certain gum diseases such as gingivitis, but also some problems like chronic halitosis (persistent bad breath). Another reason why professional cleaning should not be overlooked is that despite irreproachable oral hygiene, tartar can accumulate under the gums. If it transforms into advanced gum disease, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and reach other parts of the body.
Since periodontal diseases and untreated gingivitis are the leading cause of tooth loss in patients over 35 years of age, regular cleanings are of utmost importance. Omitting to do so puts your gums at risk for serious problems.
