Professional dental cleanings, also known as a dental prophylaxis, allow us to clean the teeth and have them shining like new. During your cleaning appointment we will aim to:
- Remove calculus (tartar): Calculus is the hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Remove plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that cause inflammation of gums which can lead to periodontal disease and bone loss.
- Polish teeth: Dental abrasives used to used to remove some stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.