Your body will always naturally produce plaque. It’s the soft sticky substance that coats your teeth. If the plaque doesn’t get cleaned off and is allowed to build up along the teeth, it will then become tartar. Tartar is a hard substance and much harder to remove. During your dental check-ups, these substances usually are addressed, and you leave the dental visit with completely clean teeth.   

If you happen to miss several checkups, the plaque and tartar can become severe and stubborn. This will most likely make your dentist use a technique called debridement before your usual check-up. If this is suggested to you, no worries! It is absolutely necessary for your oral health and this procedure can put you back on the road to a healthy mouth!   

How Is a Debridement Different From Other Cleanings? 

Imagine an archaeologist working on your teeth, exposing an artifact. Before they are able to examine the piece, they have to uncover it and clean every crevice. They have to do more than simply brush away the coating. They even use special tools to uncover the artifact. This is similar to how your dentist debrides.   

Periodontal debridement is a specialized procedure designed to remove tartar deposits and periodontal pathogens that can cause inflammation and contribute to gum disease. 

In some cases, the dental hygienist will perform the debridement procedure on a quadrant or half of the mouth to make the procedure more comfortable or easier for the person.  

A simple cleaning by your dental hygienist is enough to prep the teeth for a routine check-up. But if your teeth haven’t been professionally cleaned and plaque and tartar have built up, it will obstruct the view the dentist needs. The hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque with an ultrasonic device and scaling tools. This appointment will be longer and usually isn’t included in the cost of your regular dental appointment.   

If you are looking for superior gum debridement in Fairhope, AL you’ve come to the right place. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. 

If your teeth are sensitive, you may be brushing too hard or using the wrong toothbrush. When it comes to brushing your teeth, the proper technique should be practiced. If you brush your teeth too hard or use the wrong toothbrush for your mouth, it can damage your teeth and gums, leading to receding gums and enamel wear.  Sometimes people feel the need to brush aggressively, thinking that is the only way they can get their teeth to feel clean and look white.

Doing this is counterproductive. It causes the gums to recede, but also wears away the white glossy enamel on the teeth and then they look yellow and darker. If this happens, you are at risk of developing sensitive teeth. 

If you are unsure if you are brushing too hard, look at your toothbrush.  If you have been using it for three months or less, it should still appear relatively new.  If it is flat and beat up, that is a sign you are brushing way too hard.  

Brushing Your Teeth The Right Way

Changing your hard-brushing ways can be difficult, but it is possible.  Follow these simple tips to help brush properly.  

Use A Soft Bristled Toothbrush

Find one with the ADA seal, and replace it every three months or sooner if signs of fraying at present. Foley Best Family Dentist AL 

45-Degree Angle. 

Keep your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. The bristles will reach and clean underneath your gumline. Gently move the brush back and forth using short, tooth-wide strokes.  Clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.  If you use an electric toothbrush, let it do the work. Just lightly glide it all over your teeth instead of pushing it against them. For a gentle grip, swap to your non-dominant hand. Foley Best Family Dentist AL 

The ADA-Approved Way of Brushing Your Teeth