Why Do They Scrape Your Teeth at the Dentist?

Do you remember the last time you made an appointment at the dentist for a cleaning and checkup? If it's been more than six months, it's time to come see our expert dental team at Ammons Dental By Design.

Even if you’re regularly brushing and flossing your teeth and gums, receiving periodic professional cleanings is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. A professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains that have accumulated on your teeth. You can minimize plaque and tartar buildup with daily brushing and flossing and drinking plenty of water, but over time, everyone experiences it. If you don't come visit us every six months, especially if you are neglecting your at-home oral care, you could be on a path to gum disease and tooth decay!

Scraping at the dentist combats future serious dental problems and leads to a healthier mouth and a whiter, brighter smile. Saliva, bacteria, and proteins in your mouth form a thin sticky layer of plaque that covers your teeth. When you eat, tiny food particles stick to this film, feeding the bacteria there and allowing them to multiply. This bacteria causes both cavities and gum disease if it is not removed from your teeth through daily brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings. Tartar is calcified plaque that attaches to your teeth's enamel, irritates your gums, and is only properly removed by a dental professional. While the standard cleaning you perform at home will clean the surface of your teeth, scraping at the dentist goes much deeper.

Scraping is an essential task to thoroughly eliminate harmful plaque and tartar buildup in order to improve your oral health and your overall health. Typically, a dental hygienist uses a scaler to get rid of deposits around and under your gumline, and between and on the surface of your teeth. The more tartar buildup you have in one spot, the more time they’ll need to spend scraping that particular area. But when they are finished, your smile will be smooth and healthy!