They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That is certainly true when it comes to oral health and visits to the dentist. The preventative maintenance of a dental cleaning will always be preferable to corrective measures. Seeing your dentist for a dental cleaning every 6 months will keep your teeth and gums in the best possible shape.

At your dental cleanings, one of our brilliant and knowledgeable hygienists will access your mouth for any potential signs of periodontal (gum) disease or any obvious cavities, chips, cracks, or other possible issues. Next, the hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup in the nooks and crannies of your mouth (including around and below the gumline) in a process called scaling and root planing. The next step you may recognize by the gritty feeling of the paste the hygienist uses when polishing your teeth. A professional flossing will ensure that no stragglers of plaque, tartar, or food are left behind. A fluoride treatment may be an additional step depending on the state your unique smile and your city’s water supply. Once you rinse, you repeat this process every six months to keep your smile healthy and beautiful!

Regular visits to your dentist are important for your oral health and provide a bright, healthy smile that can boost your confidence and make a great first impression. The procedure is pretty simple and involves a few steps:

Exam

Your teeth cleaning will begin with an examination performed by a dental hygienist. They will check your teeth and gums for any potential issues such as inflamed gums. If you have been brushing regularly and following a good oral health routine they should be able to proceed, but if there is a significant issue, the hygienist may consult the dentist before continuing.

Removal of Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar around your gum line and between your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help prevent this, but once tartar is formed, it can only be removed at the dentist’s office with a process called scaling and root planing.

Using a small mirror to aid visibility, the hygienist will use a tool called a scaler to scrape away the plaque and tartar. Depending on your brushing and flossing habits, you may experience some bleeding during this process.

Polish

Once your teeth are plaque- and tartar-free, the hygienist will use a high-powered electric brush to polish your teeth. This is different from brushing at home, as it uses a special gritty toothpaste to polish your teeth. It is more abrasive than regular toothpaste but done by a professional twice each year it is a safe part of your oral health routine.

Flossing

To ensure there are no remnants of plaque or tartar, professional flossing comes next. Many people neglect to floss regularly, but it is an important part of caring for your teeth and gums, removing bacteria and debris that brushing alone cannot. Some dislike flossing as it can result in bleeding, but that will cease as your gums become healthier.

Fluoride

Calgary stopped adding fluoride to drinking water in 2011. As a result, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to help keep your teeth healthy.

Regular dental cleaning does far more than remove plaque and tartar while maintaining a beautiful smile, though of course, it does that too. Some other reasons to visit your dentist every 6 months for teeth cleaning include:

• Prevention of gum disease
• Removal of stains, resulting in brighter, whiter teeth
• Reduces the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes and certain types of oral cancer
• May reduce the risk of dementia and help prevent the existing condition from worsening