PROFESSIONAL CLEANING Q: How often should I have my teeth cleaned? A: The short answer is you should go for a teeth- cleaning session with your dentist every six months, the same interval that's recommended for a check- up. Professional cleaning is necessary because no matter how diligent you are in brushing and flossing at home, there's no way you will be able to reach every nook, cranny and fissure where plaque can accumulate and harden into tartar. The dentist's office, on the other hand, is equipped with the tools that can effectively get into those small spaces. And the work will be done by either the dentist or by a dental hygienist, a licensed, trained dental nurse. They will use either hand-held scalers - little tools used to scrape off the plaque buildup - or perhaps an ultrasonic machine that uses sound waves to loosen the plaque. Then they will wash it away with a jet of cool water. As a precaution against periodontal disease (gum disease), the dentist or the hygienist will also clean the sides of the roots of the teeth. In some cases, this may require the use of an anesthetic, either topical or injected, to eliminate discomfort. As a final step, they will polish your teeth to make them sparkle and to help resist plaque accumulation. Talk with your dentist about the importance of regular professional cleaning. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 PROFESSIONAL CLEANING Q : How often should I have my teeth cleaned ? A : The short answer is you should go for a teeth cleaning session with your dentist every six months , the same interval that's recommended for a check up . Professional cleaning is necessary because no matter how diligent you are in brushing and flossing at home , there's no way you will be able to reach every nook , cranny and fissure where plaque can accumulate and harden into tartar . The dentist's office , on the other hand , is equipped with the tools that can effectively get into those small spaces . And the work will be done by either the dentist or by a dental hygienist , a licensed , trained dental nurse . They will use either hand - held scalers - little tools used to scrape off the plaque buildup - or perhaps an ultrasonic machine that uses sound waves to loosen the plaque . Then they will wash it away with a jet of cool water . As a precaution against periodontal disease ( gum disease ) , the dentist or the hygienist will also clean the sides of the roots of the teeth . In some cases , this may require the use of an anesthetic , either topical or injected , to eliminate discomfort . As a final step , they will polish your teeth to make them sparkle and to help resist plaque accumulation . Talk with your dentist about the importance of regular professional cleaning . Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554