Hygiene: Scaling, Air-Polishing & Fluoride

Professional dental hygiene focuses on removing the hardened deposits and stains that build-up on teeth over time and cannot be cleaned away by brushing alone. Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar (calculus), which collects at the gum line and can contribute to gum inflammation; a hygiene visit clears these deposits and helps keep the gums and teeth healthy.

At EM Dent a full hygiene appointment combines three steps. Ultrasonic scaling uses gentle high-frequency vibrations to break tartar away from the teeth and just below the gum line. Air-polishing then directs a fine spray of powder and water across the teeth to lift away stubborn surface staining — from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking — and remaining plaque, including in grooves and between the teeth. Finally a fluoride varnish or gel is applied to help…