Teeth Cleaning
 When
a dentist or dental hygienist cleans your teeth they remove soft plaque and hard
tartar, calculus, or stains deposits from your teeth. The primary purpose of
having your teeth cleaned is to prevent or delay the progression of periodontal
diseases.
Professional dental care alone, however, is inadequate to prevent periodontal
diseases. Smoking has been implicated in approximately 50% of periodontal
disease cases in adults (Tomar 2000). Abstaining from tobacco use, maintaining
good oral hygiene, and having your teeth cleaned professionally are the most
effective ways to prevent periodontal diseases.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
As with routine dental examinations, the frequency of professional teeth
cleaning will depend on the health of your teeth and gums. Healthy children and
adults should have their teeth cleaned at least once every 12-24 months. If you
are at risk of periodontal diseases because of age, tobacco use, rate of
accumulation of deposits, personal oral hygiene practices, or medical conditions
such as diabetes or HIV infection, your teeth may need to be cleaned more often.
Dr Murray or the dental hygienist can help you determine how often you should
have your teeth cleaned.
Teeth Whitening
 Tooth
whitening is a procedure that lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and
discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures
because it can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth at much less
cost and inconvenience than other techniques.
Every day, a thin coating forms on your teeth and it picks up stains. Also,
the outer layer of each tooth, called the enamel, contains pores that can hold
stains. Whitening is not a one-time solution. It will need to be repeated
periodically if you want to maintain the brighter color. Contact Dr Murray to
schedule an appointment to have your teeth examined to determine if your teeth
require this treatment. |
