Dental Hygiene

Visiting your dental hygienist on a regular basis is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain or improve your oral health.  Over time, dental plaque (a bacterial biofilm) can build up on hard to reach surfaces of teeth and becomes hardened by minerals in your salvia turning into calculus (sometimes called tartar).  As plaque and calculus accumulate the presence of bacteria in the plaque causes your gums to become red and inflamed; eventually this inflammation can lead to bone loss and gum recession.  Your hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth both above and below the gumline, and will work with you on home care to improve the condition of your teeth and gums.