Dental plaque is a troublesome, thin, and sticky film of bacteria that coats teeth and other oral tissues. This film forms throughout the day as oral bacteria continue breaking down food particles in the mouth into Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) that bind to teeth. Food particles bind to these compounds to form a sticky white substance on the surface of the tooth. Plaque should be removed regularly, for it poses a great risk to oral health.
How Do Dentists Remove Dental Plaque?
Your dentist will first conduct a comprehensive oral examination to identify the exact location of plaque deposits and tartar as well as cavities. They can use a mirror or, in some instances, take X-rays of your teeth. With this information, they will then use one or all of the following techniques to remove plaque:
Scraping
The dentist will use a scaler to scrape off plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth. Scalers are manual or electric devices that are used to agitate and break up plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces. Scraping is painless and may take time, depending on the amount of deposit.
Root Planing
Many times, plaque and tartar deposits will extend below the surface of your gums, and these will not be removable via normal scraping. In this case, the dentist will use specialized root planing equipment to get these deposits from below your gum line. Root planing is uncomfortable but not painful.
Gritty Brushing
After scraping and root planing, the dentist will brush your teeth with a gritty toothpaste. A high-power toothbrush that makes a grinding noise is used in this process. This process removes any plaque and tartar residues from your teeth. Afterward, the dentist may floss your teeth.
Closing Remarks
Dental plaque and tartar are risk factors for several oral disorders. We recommend having a professional deep dental clean twice every year to have all plaque and tartar removed. Contact us today for plaque removal services.
Dentist Eagle Mountain UT | Contact Ranches Family Dental The dental office of Dr. Richard Baldwin in Eagle Mountain consists of a team of professionals dedicated to providing you with the dentistry care you deserve. Ranches Family Dental, 3435 E. Pony Express Parkway Suite 110 Eagle Mountain, UT 84005 / (385) 374-0500 / ranchesfamilydental.com / 12/6/2024 / Tags: dentist Eagle Mountain UT /
Dental plaque is a troublesome, thin, and sticky film of bacteria that coats teeth and other oral tissues. This film forms throughout the day as oral bacteria continue breaking down food particles in the mouth into Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) that bind to teeth. Food particles bind to these compounds to form a sticky white substance on the surface of the tooth. Plaque should be removed regularly, for it poses a great risk to oral health.