If you ever run your tongue over your teeth and they feel a little fuzzy, what you’re feeling is plaque—a soft, sticky film of bacteria that thrives on sugars and starches in the food we eat.

Unless it is removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can build up over time and lead to cavities and gum disease. Even with careful cleaning, however, it can accumulate in hard-to-reach spots and harden into tartar—an irritant that weakens the tissue around the teeth and can only be removed by a dental hygienist.

That’s why we recommend that you come in for a professional cleaning every three to twelve months, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums. Our hygienists use a range of tools to remove stains, plaque, and tartar—both above and below the gum line—and examine your mouth for any sign of problems.

After your teeth have been polished to a silky smooth finish, you’ll be advised on how to care for any trouble spots at home and offered a fluoride rinse for extra protection between cleanings. If your teeth ache when they come into contact with heat or cold, our hygienists can also apply a special solution to their roots to reduce sensitivity.