What the Dental Hygienists Removes from your Teeth

Categories: General Dentistry

what hygientist removes from teethScotts Valley and Santa Cruz, CA

Once every six months is the recommended time for getting professional dental cleanings. Everyone, even those that take good care of their teeth every day, accumulates plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth. So, routine dental cleanings are a necessary part of maintaining a healthy smile.

But, what exactly is the dental hygienist removing from your teeth?

  • Surface Stains- Even if you brush twice a day and floss daily, your teeth still accumulate plaque that sticks to your teeth, which eventually causes staining. Dental hygienists use specially formulated cleaning paste that removes as much as 35% more stains than compared to regular teeth brushing at home. The rubber cup they use to polish your teeth offsets the abrasive paste that works hard to remove plaque and tartar buildup, as well as stains.
  • Hard Plaque- Dental cleanings are the only way to completely remove tartar buildup. As plaque accumulates on our teeth and is not removed, it hardens into tartar or calculus. This substance, no matter how hard or often you brush, simply cannot be removed without the care of a professional dental hygienist. When you get your teeth cleaned as recommended by the American Dental Association, which is once every six months, you will experience less tartar buildup than those that don’t see their dentist at all.
  • Bad Breath- Regular dental cleanings help reduce bad breath significantly. Research shows that a professional dental cleaning reduced bad breath from 75% to 25% after just one cleaning! It’s no wonder, all of that bacteria and stuck-on tartar is removed, which is the culprit of bad breath. If, however, you experience consistent bad breath despite regular cleanings and good at-home oral hygiene, talk to your dentist in Scotts Valley who can help identify an underlying condition that may be the cause of your embarrassing breath.

Dental cleanings are for everyone

Did you know that dental cleanings are recommended for everyone of every age, even toddlers? As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, they should be scheduled for his or her first dental visit. Proper oral care is essential, especially for a developing child. And, it’s best to instill these healthy habits early on in life for a life-long journey of good oral health.

What happens if I skip dental cleanings?

Missing out on this vital part of your healthcare can have ramifications that go far beyond the look and health of your teeth. Oral bacteria, when not removed, can get into your bloodstream and cause wide-spread inflammation throughout your body. This, in turn, increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes! It’s best to keep your oral health in check to protect your overall health and decrease your risk of certain diseases.

I don’t have insurance, can I still get dental cleanings?

Yes! Although having insurance may make getting your dental cleaning more affordable, you can still visit the dentist for those twice-yearly cleanings even without dental insurance coverage. Be prepared for what it will cost you out-of-pocket, if budget is a concern for you, by calling ahead to find out how much the procedure and anything additional such as X-rays will cost. That way, you can set aside a small amount each month in preparation for your upcoming appointment. While a dental cleaning may seem a bit pricey to some individuals, neglect is what ends up costing the most in the long run!

Get my teeth cleaned in Los Gatos

If you are looking for a dental practice to call home or would like more information about protecting your oral health, please contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411 to schedule a consultation to learn more about our services.

Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry is proud to care for patients located in the California communities of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley.