Dental Procedures | Prevention | Restoration | Cosmetic Dentistry

Cleaning, Polishing and Fluoride Treatment

Even though you can't see it, a soft sticky film forms continuously in your mouth. It's called Plaque. When plaque hardens on your teeth, the tough-to-remove coating is known as Calculus or Tartar. And it's the bacteria in plaque and tartar that are the major causes of dental disease.

The following problems develop if this plaque and calculus are not removed from your teeth at regular intervals by a registered dental hygienist:

• Gingivitis - Red, puffy, bleeding gums, caused by bacteria that has begun to irritate the gum tissue.
• Periodontitis - Bacterial plaque below the gum line that can actually destroy the bone supporting your teeth.
• Tooth Decay - Also known as cavities. When plaque remains on your teeth, the bacteria combines with sugars in your food and produces an acid that destroys tooth enamel.
• Hypersensitivity - Teeth that are abnormally or excessively sensitive to hot or cold food or air; sweet or sour foods; or touch.

This plaque builds up in your teeth if home care, including brushing and flossing, is not routinely performed. As well as homecare, we recommend seeing a registered dental hygienist every six months, or more frequently in some conditions, for a professional prophylaxis (cleaning). This plaque and calculus that has built up on your teeth is removed.

Also at this six month routine appointment, any necessary x-rays are taken to detect defects that have developed, the teeth are polished, the gums ar checked for Periodontal Disease, and the dentist performs an oral exam. Routinely with children under the age of 14, a topical flouride treatment is given.

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