About Teeth Cleaning

For the most part, teeth cleaning or dental cleaning is painless. However, if you have any anxieties regarding the procedure, tools used, then it is better to be informed about the deep dental cleaning procedure and all its steps to be fully prepared and to have a stress-free experience.

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your teeth cleaning appointment at Fisher & Orfaly Dental, Salem, MA, will include the following steps:
‍

• Teeth Examination: Before starting the teeth cleaning procedure, the examination of teeth and gums is done. This examination helps the professional to check for and detect oral problems and treat them during the deep dental cleaning.
  

• Plaque Removal: As a next step, plaque removal is done with the help of a plaque removal tool like a scale in a process called Scaling. Dental plaque is very common and constantly forms on the teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease! To prevent further damage, it is necessary to remove dental plaque regularly and maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
  

• Treating Calculus Teeth: Calculus teeth, also known as dental calculus or tartar, are a hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Tartar forms above and below the gum line and causes discoloration and a crusty layer on the teeth that is very hard to remove. Professional help is necessary in such cases as calculus teeth can only be treated with special dental instruments. With the help of tools like scale, tartar can be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
  

• Teeth Polishing and Flossing: After the plaque removal and treating calculus teeth, the next step is a thorough cleaning, polishing of teeth, and flossing. With the help of gritty toothpaste and tools like an electric brush, teeth are thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed. In the process of teeth polishing and flossing, stains, dental plaque, tartar, and the remaining buildup of toothpaste are removed that are not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
  

• Fluoride Treatment: The thorough deep dental cleaning or teeth cleaning often ends with fluoride treatment. A sticky or foamy gel is applied on the teeth or a mouthguard with gel is to be worn for one minute in this procedure.
  

Fisher & Orfaly Dental, Salem, MA, offers a range of orthodontic treatments along with teeth cleaning services. You will feel the difference after the treatment. Your teeth will feel fresher and cleaner than before.

Hazards Of Not Getting Your Teeth Cleaned Professionally

We all have grown up listening to the importance of brushing teeth twice a day! However, having a good oral routine, getting teeth cleaning or deep dental cleaning done twice a year is also very necessary and important to maintain good oral health. Because it not only means good oral hygiene but also that you’re preventing further damage and protecting your overall health.

If you are not getting teeth cleaning or deep dental cleaning done professionally, you might end up with the following issues:

• A Buildup of Dental Plaque: Lack of brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleaning may lead to an increasing number of bacteria living in the mouth, resulting in the buildup of dental plaque and tooth decay. Dental plaque, a sticky and transparent film on the teeth, starts forming as soon as the food, drinks are being consumed; hence, if they are not cleaned properly, they keep feeding on the food particles present in the mouth which makes the buildup of plaque thicker. Dental plaque causes stains, discoloration, cavities, worn down enamel, bad breath, and if not treated may lead to tartar/ calculus teeth and gum problems.
  

• Calculus Teeth: Calculus teeth, also known as tartar, is a yellow or brown-colored deposit on the surface of teeth starting from the gums. This tartar is the result of the calcification of plaque formed before. Incorrect brushing and flossing habits can lead to tartar deposits. Tartar is formed by bacteria. When different foods and liquids combine with your saliva, it causes a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive. Eating sugary foods assists in forming plaque which calcifies into tartar within no time. If not treated properly, calculus teeth lead to gum problems like gingivitis, periodontitis as well as permanent tooth decay.
  

What Is The Difference Between Tartar and Plaque?

Tartar vs Plaque :

Dental plaque is a transparent, sticky film on the teeth which is made up of bacteria. Dental plaque constantly forms on the teeth as a result of consuming food and drinks. Bacteria in the dental plaque are constantly feeding on the sugar and food particles in the mouth. These bacteria also secrete acids in your mouth that are harmful to your oral health and may lead to damaged tooth enamel, cavities, gingivitis etc.

Tartar or calculus teeth, on the other hand, are formed if the dental plaque is not regularly removed from the teeth. The heavy, dense layer of dental plaque slowly transforms into a brown, crusty deposit on the teeth as well as above and below the gum line which is very hard to remove at home. Calculus teeth, if not treated immediately, lead to serious gum issues such as receding gums, periodontitis, and worse, tooth decay.

The main difference between tartar vs plaque is that buildup of plaque is the primary stage and dental plaque can be easily removed with good oral hygiene, regular brushing, and floss; however, in the case of calculus teeth, there is no other treatment but to get tartar removed or scraped by a professional with the help of special, sharp tools.

While you can avoid the formation of tartar at home, it is advisable to brush and floss twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Also, regular visits to the dentist can help you keep your oral health in place. Professional teeth cleaning is done using specialized equipment and skills. Unlike at home, the dental hygienist uses a specific toothpaste and an appropriate force for cleaning your teeth and gums without damaging them. At home, there is a possibility that you end up with sore gums.