Who are the partners?
Dental health begins with good oral hygiene. This requires professional care and guidance provided by your dentist and dental hygienist, combined with proper care at home by you. That's the partnership. When you follow a recommended home care routine and have regular professional care, you will be able to maintain healthier teeth and gums
.
Why you need a prophylaxis (professional cleaning)?
Professional cleaning removes plaque, calculus (tartar), and stains from the teeth. The cleaning may be done by your dentist or a dental hygienist, a licensed professional who performs prophylaxis (professional cleaning) in the dental office and provides education in proper care of the teeth and gums.

What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on all areas of your teeth. It is composed of bacteria, by-products of bacteria, and your saliva. Plaque bacteria use sugar and other carbohydrates to grow and form acids which attack the enamel and can cause cavities. Plaque that builds up along the gumline and between teeth in hard to reach places can be harmful. The bacteria produces toxins that can irritate the gums causing them to turn red, swell and bleed - signs typically associated with gingivitis.

What is calculus (tartar)?
Minerals in saliva combine with plaque at the tooth surface and harden into rough, unsightly deposits called calculus (tartar). Calculus, which is mostly mineral, provides rough surface that makes thorough plaque removal more difficult. Your toothbrush and floss can't remove tartar once it has formed. Calculus can only be removed by a regular dental prophylaxis.

Recognizing gingivitis is important because it is reversible. Unnoticed, ignored, or not taken care of, gingivitis can sometimes progress into a more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. It is easy to see why brushing and cleaning between teeth with floss or other interdental cleaners, to remove plaque is essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

How to get the most from your home care routine:
You can help improve your oral hygiene by making plaque and calculus (tartar) control part of your daily routine. Proper brushing helps remove plaque from the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth. An accepted method for proper brushing is shown below. Flossing thoroughly helps remove plaque and debris from between the teeth, especially in the hard-to-reach areas at and slightly under the gumline.