Dental Exams are examinations or “checkups” of your teeth and gums. Adults and children should have regular exams every 6 months. The exams are an important tool for your overall health. Dental exams can detect developing issues before they become serious or costly. An exam may include evaluating hard and soft tissue, oral cancer screening, and periodontal disease screening.
Dental Cleanings typically take place during the same visits as dental exams. Dental cleanings are preventative services which include cleaning and polishing the teeth.
Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth. It is essentially a colony of bacteria, food debris and salvia. If there is a plaque buildup, the plaque is removed during the cleaning. Because plaque can cause a number of dental health issues such as cavities, gingivitis and bad breath, it is important to remove it. Left untreated, dental plaque eventually leads to tartar.
Tartar, or dental calculus, is a yellow discoloration on teeth that causes bad breath. It can be difficult to remove tartar, although it does not have to be a permanent condition.
Tips for better Tartar Control:
