Importance of Dental Cleaning and Polishing
Understanding Plaque and Calculus
During a cleaning, you can expect to first have a scaling done, for the purpose of removing plaque buildup and/or external stains. Plaque is an invisible layer of bacteria which constantly forms on our teeth. If it is not effectively removed, it can harden into a “cement-like” texture, which is known as calculus. The longer we allow plaque to form on our gums and teeth, the more harm it can cause- e.g., leads to gum disease.
Importance of Dental Scaling
Dental scaling is an especially important step, as it is during this step that calculus is removed. The benefit to having your teeth professionally cleaned is that plaque is removed from areas that are hard to reach with brushing/flossing.
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Polishing and Fluoride Application
Once scaling has been completed, teeth are then polished using a polishing paste, which further cleans and removes surface stains. This will then create a smooth tooth surface, making it harder for plaque to accumulate. In some patients, a cleaning may even involve the application of Fluoride, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Debunking Misconceptions
There are some misconceptions that cleaning can damage your tooth enamel, which is simply not true. The tools used are effective enough to remove plaque and debris, but at the same time gentle enough to maintain tooth enamel.
