During a dental cleaning the dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Superficial stains can also be removed during this procedure. It’s recommended for patients to get a dental cleaning every 6 months to maintain gum health.
Over 45% of adults aged 30 year and older have some form of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by bacterial dental plaque and tartar. Dental tartar only takes 24-72 to form on the surface of teeth, and can be very difficult to remove by brushing and flossing at home.
For patients that do have gum disease, dental scaling and root planing is needed instead of a regular cleaning. This procedure, often described as a “deep cleaning” is performed to remove plaque and tartar both from the tooth surface and the root of the tooth. Leaving that tartar in place could lead to bone loss around the teeth, loose teeth, and potentially tooth loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of gum disease?
- Swollen or puffy gums.
- Bright red or purplish gums.
- Gums that feel tender when touched.
- Gums that bleed easily.
- Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing.
- Loose teeth.
- Bad breath.
- Pus between your teeth and gums.
What is tartar?
Dental tartar, also known as calculus is calcified dental plaque that attaches itself to the teeth. Tartar has a yellow/chalky white color and is rough to the touch.
Learn more about Dental Cleaning, Scaling & Root Planing at Landover Dental Associates
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