Dental Cleanings

There are many ways that bacteria can form in your mouth. Plaque is a film that covers the teeth and gum, and it produces bacteria that creates a dangerous acid that is strong enough to harm your teeth and gums as it forms and builds. Calculus, or tartar, is a hard substance that forms when the bacteria calcifies, and is especially harmful because it attracts more and more bacteria. The well-known gum disease, gingivitis, is also caused by bacteria, makes the gums swell and redden, and often leads to full-on periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease attacks the joining of your teeth and jaw, which can lead to your teeth becoming loose and falling out. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be managed, and even more so, prevented with check-ups at your local dental clinic and healthy lifestyle choices, such as a diet rich with fruits and vegetables. Remembering to brush your teeth twice a day is crucial, as are flossing regularly, and changing your toothbrush every few months. Mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, which actually attracts bacteria, and a tongue scraper are useful as well.

Dentists have their own tools for cleaning your mouth, which are designed to interact with the parts of your mouth more fully, including site-specific antibiotics, polishing paste, and other hand tools. They can also offer a wide variety of options for cleanings, depending on different factors regarding the state of your mouth. This includes not only the usual teeth cleaning, but also a “full mouth debridement” to clean heavily soiled teeth that have not been cleaned in over a year, a “gingivital bacterial reduction” to kill bacterial infections in the gums, and laser therapy if bacteria is infecting both the teeth and bones.

Be sure to set up a teeth cleaning and also to keep up with good home dental habits.