In addition to daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing, it is important to visit your dentist at least bi-annually. This will ensure that you prevent plague or tartar development, and gum related ailments.
Tartar is a tough substance that develops on the surface of the teeth. Without a routine cleaning of your teeth, tartar and bacteria can buildup, leading to deposits, and cause tooth decay, aches, and pains. Bacteria is a primary contributor of gum disease, too. Fully eliminating plaque and tartar deposits is something than can only be done by your dentist during a cleaning.
What exactly does a dentist do when they clean your teeth?
There are specific tools that dentists use to help them ease plaque and buildup off of your teeth. The dental tools that are used to handle teeth cleanings and other dental procedures are always sanitized to assure the patient of a clean, safe treatment.
Dentists will start with small utensil mirrors. These bent mirror instruments allow your dentist to easily look at the otherwise hard-to-see areas of your mouth.
Once buildup has been identified, descaling tools will be used to scrape off deposits. Then, an ultrasonic vibrating tool will be used to do the rest of the work. And, as buildup releases its grip from your tooth, dental assistants are right there to wash away the loosened material.
After loosening the tartar with the ultrasonic, the dentist returns to using a scaler to give each tooth individual attention. This ensures that any unseen tartar is eliminated.
A special paste will be applied after all cleaning is complete. This toothpaste is applied on a polisher. Once engaged, the polisher spins and is pressed against your teeth. The combination of the polisher and paste makes your teeth clean and glowing. Some dentists will finish the cleaning procedure by applying flouoride to help your teeth resist future tartar buildup.