When you wake up in the morning, it is common to find a soft, cheesy substance on the surfaces of your teeth. This is called plaque, which is made up of bacteria as well as some organic stuff from your saliva. When plaque is not removed in time, it becomes hard and builds up in between, around your teeth as well as underneath your gums. This is the primary cause of gum disease and bad breath.
Gum disease has been associated with an increase in the risk of heart disease and complicates diabetes. It may also result in low-birth weight and pre-term babies in mothers who suffer from it.
Teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing) by a professional at least 1-2 times yearly is the best way to get rid of these deposits. You will still need to follow up with with proper oral hygiene methods of brushing right and flossing.
The procedure involves having a dental therapist use an ultrasonic scaling machine as well as some instruments to clean all around and under your gums as well as your teeth to remove plaque, calculus and stains. You would rinse your mouth at intervals with our antiseptic mouthwash. After the scaling is done, the therapist would help you polish your teeth to smoothen any roughness and give you a clean feel!