Professional dental cleanings are not only vital to the health of your teeth and gums but also to your overall health. According to the Canadian Dental Association, 48% of Canadians who had not visited a dentist within the past year have gum disease.

Dental cleanings help prevent gum disease, tooth decay (cavities), and other painful, costly conditions such as permanent tooth loss. Regular dental visits will help prevent oral problems from worsening and can save you discomfort - and expense - down the road.

Research has consistently shown that your oral and periodontal (gum) health is significantly  connected to your overall health and wellbeing. Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves. There is a strong connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and evidence that people with diabetes benefit from periodontal treatment. More recently, research found that people  with gum disease were more likely to suffer from COVID-19 complications and almost 9  times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those without gum disease.

You should visit your dentist for a professional cleaning at least twice per year, even if you are brushing and flossing conscientiously. Depending on the person’s oral hygiene and oral health, many adults have a cleaning every 3-4 months. Regular dental cleanings are especially important for pregnant women to prevent pregnancy gingivitis (gum disease).

Plaque and Tartar Cause Cavities and Gingivitis

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless or pale yellow film that is constantly forming on your teeth. When saliva, food and fluids combine, plaque - which contains bacteria - forms between your teeth and along the gum line.

Plaque is the root cause of many oral health issues. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel causing cavities. The bacteria in plaque can also cause the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Plaque can also contribute to bad breath and can make your teeth look dingy and yellow.

If plaque is not regularly removed from your teeth by proper brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar within 24 to 72 hours. Tartar is a hard, yellow or brown deposit that tightly adheres to the teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. If tartar is not removed it can lead to more serious gum disease.

You have a greater risk of developing plaque and tartar with braces, dry mouth, crowded teeth, smoking and aging. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup. For many people, these deposits build up faster with age.

Fighting plaque is the most critical factor in protecting and preserving your teeth and gums for a life-time.

The Professional Cleaning Procedure

At Scarborough Dental Care, your professional cleaning appointment will begin with an oral exam to evaluate the health of your gums, tongue and mouth and check your teeth for signs of decay.  

Your experienced dental hygienist will then start your cleaning by using either an ultrasonic scaler or metal instruments referred to as curettes or scalers to remove the plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces. The ultrasonic scaler is a hand-held tool with a tiny tip that vibrates at a very high frequency. Hardened deposits are broken up by the rapid movement of the tip, which does not damage the teeth. Your hygienist then uses curettes, hand-held instruments that are curved and tapered to fit around and in between the teeth, to remove the tartar between your teeth and under your gums. In the capable hands of your hygienist, it takes only moderate pressure to remove any stubborn buildup and scrub the teeth clean, regardless of which instruments are used.

After the plaque and tartar has been removed, your hygienist will floss your teeth and then polish them with a low-speed rotary brush fitted with a soft rubber tip. After a thorough cleaning, your teeth will look brighter and feel smooth and squeaky-clean. Most people don't feel any noticeable discomfort during dental cleanings; some even report they enjoy the experience — especially the dramatic results when it's done! 

If you haven't had a cleaning in a while, your gums may be irritated due to bacterial buildup and may become sore or bleed during the cleaning. This may be an indication that you need more frequent in-office cleanings in addition to improved oral care habits, such as regular brushing and flossing. Regular professional dental cleanings will help you avoid more involved dental procedures down the road — and it will give you the best chance of keeping your teeth for life!