Oral Health Basics
The goal of brushing and flossing is simply to remove the daily buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque contains a large amount of bacteria and is the soft, white material that accumulates in your mouth; it is noticed most when you wake up in the morning, but it actually builds up throughout the day. Following a meal or snack, the bacteria in plaque release acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to dissolve, eventually resulting in cavities.
If plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth, it soon begins the process of becoming calculus (also known as tartar), and once that happens, no toothbrush can remove it. Brushing and cleaning between teeth become more difficult when tartar collects above the gum line. The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease.
What is a Cleaning?
Most people get a cleaning twice a year. The goal of a cleaning is to remove the tartar that has built up over the past few months. We can also keep a close eye on any changes in your teeth and catch cavities before they become large enough to cause a problem. A polishing is done at the end of the cleaning to smooth and thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth.