Cleanings are an important part of preventative care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Hygienists have training in the effective removal of the deposits and hardened residues that adhere to the teeth which includes plaque, tartar (also known as calculus) and stain. A cleaning consists of scaling (and/or root planing for patients needing a deeper cleaning),  polishing, and flossing. Sometimes a fluoride treatment may also be provided.

These deposits on the teeth must be removed regularly to have healthy gums and teeth. If not removed, gum disease can start and if not treated can lead to loss of teeth. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is typically not a painful condition so patients may have gum disease and not know it. In fact, gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.

Your hygienist and dentist can help you develop an effective home care routine and plan for preventative visits to help protect your oral health.