Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) performed by a Registered dental hygienist form the foundation for preventing gum disease and tooth decay. In a dental cleaning, your hygienist will:

• Remove plaque from the teeth -- Plaque is a sticky substance that forms in the mouth from food, saliva and bacteria. Plaque sticks to teeth and causes tooth decay and gum disease.
• Remove calculus (tarter) above the gum line -- Calculus is plaque that has hardened on the tooth surface and is difficult to remove. (Calculus below the gum line indicates gum disease and requires a different procedure to remove it.)
• Polish and remove stains from teeth