Family Dentistry

Richard F. Dest, DDS · Mark G. Halbedl, DMD · Jon Yura, DDS

A Charlotte North Carolina Dentist Office

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Preventive Dentistry

Cleanings

Professional cleanings (dental prophylaxis) performed by a certified dental hygienist form the foundation for preventing gum disease and tooth decay. In a professional cleaning, your hygienist will:

• Remove plaque from the teeth -- Plaque is a sticky substance that forms in the mouth from food, saliva and bacteria. Plaque sticks to teeth and causes tooth decay and gum disease.
• Remove calculus (tartar) above the gum line -- Calculus is plaque that has hardened on the tooth surface and is difficult to remove. (Calculus below the gum line indicates gum disease and requires a different procedure to remove it.)
• Polish and remove stains from teeth

Regularly visiting your dental hygienist can greatly reduce your risk of tooth decay and help ensure a healthy smile for years to come.